Tourism bosses hope the Tour of Britain’s arrival in Swansea will enhance the city’s reputation as a top class outdoor sporting and activity destination.
Thousands of cycling fans, schools and general spectators are expected to line the streets of the city for the big event with many more watching footage of the race on national TV the same evening.
The third stage of the Tour of Britain will finish in Swansea on Monday September 13 when the city welcomes over 100 cyclists from the mid Wales leg of the tour.
Tony McGetrick, Chairman of Tourism Swansea Bay, was running a hotel in Nottingham when the Tour of Britain’s predecessor visited the area several years ago.
He said: “The race is a very popular event that has a major international following. The French are especially keen on cycling and many fans and members of cycling support teams will be staying in Swansea Bay not just for one night but for several nights around the time of the event. The Tour of Britain brings economic benefits to every area it visits and this is a real chance for Swansea to showcase what’s available here.
“Swansea is a great base for mountain biking and there are many less challenging routes for people including the trip along the promenade to Mumbles. The area is also well-known for surfing and other outdoor sports and funding that’s been received to develop Swansea Bay into a Watersports Centre of Excellence will further boost what’s already available.”
The Celtic Trail national cycle network runs through the heart of Swansea and has a number of feeder routes off it. Another phase of the Penclawdd and North Gower cycle route has also recently been completed and the first ever Gower Cycling Festival is being held from September 18 to September 25. The festival is being organised by Wheelwrights and features cycle routes stretching from four miles to 61 miles in length.
Steve Hopkins, Swansea Council’s Tourism Manager, said: “Of the marketing partners we have across Swansea Bay, 34 have the nationally accredited cyclists welcome award and this shows tourism businesses recognise the value of cycling to their business. The Tour of Britain will highlight what a terrific place Swansea is for cycling but it’s also a destination that’s well-equipped to cater for all types of activity holidays with surfing, sailing, climbing and kite-boarding among the many other activities available across the destination.
“Events like the Tour of Britain and the Gower Cycling Festival which occur outside the main holiday season will introduce many people to the Swansea Bay area for the first time and we’ll be working with our partners to encourage as many of them to return in future.”
Have a look at www.tourofbritainswansea.com for more information about the Tour of Britain or www.visitswanseabay.com/biking for further details about cycling in Swansea Bay and the available cycle routes.
