The 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain, taking place over a 1,140-kilometre route, will lead the world’s top riders from Pembrey Country Park on the Carmarthenshire coast in South Wales to the streets of Central London, via Devon, Bristol, Warwickshire, Cumbria and Nottinghamshire across eight stages of racing. Stage one of the Tour of Britain, on the 2nd of September, will begin at Pembrey Country Park and finish in Newport. The route will take riders right from the west to the east of the Brecon Beacons National Park, going through and around the towns of Llandeilo, Llandovery, Sennybridge, Brecon, Crickhowell and Llanfoist-as seen in the map below.
Host for the 2018 Grand Depart is one of Wales’ top visitor attractions, Pembrey Country Park. Overlooking Carmarthen Bay and Gower, this 500-acre, multi-activity family favourite includes an eight-mile, blue flag award-winning beach and is the HQ for the brand new 1.9km national closed road cycle circuit, developed with Welsh Cycling.
The Tour then heads west, passing through the historic town of Kidwelly, with its imposing medieval castle on the banks of the River Gwendraeth – famous for being used in the first scene of the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail! Next up is Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales. It’s best known for being the home of the legendary Merlin, and is now a bustling town full of character offering a mix of local independent traders and high street names
Heading north the Tour follows the path of the River Tywi, a river that attracts fisherman far and wide to catch Sewin (River Trout). With venues such as the Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney; stately homes; numerous castles; and boutique towns such as Llandeilo, the area is known as the Garden of Wales.
Riders go through the quaint market town of Llandovery – gateway to the challenging heights of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountain, and Cambrian Mountains.
Download the stage one poster here.
Spectator Guide - Pembrey Country Park here.
The build-up begins from 08:00 ahead of the race start at 10:30. Explore the Stage One map online here, or check out the race timetable here. Don’t miss loads of activities in around the Grand Depart itself at Pembrey Country Park between 08:00 and 16:00. Activities include the OVO Energy Tour of Britain start village, cycling-themed entertainment, info on health, wellbeing, cycling, food and drink.
