An Olympic gold medallist has backed the Tour of Britain and says Swansea’s lucky to be holding an event of its stature.
Welsh cycling superstar Geraint Thomas says the race is up there with the best and will offer spectators the chance to see some of his sport’s best talent in action.
Swansea will host the end of the event’s third stage on Monday September 13 when over 100 top class cyclists from 17 teams arrive in the city from mid Wales at about 1.30pm.
The racers will travel through the north of Swansea before making their way to the city centre via Hafod and Dyfatty. The route will then take in areas such as Orchard Street, the Kingsway, St Helen’s Road, Brynymor Road and Walter Road before the cyclists tackle a gruelling climb up Constitution Hill.
The sprint finish takes place on The Kingsway where crowds will gather to cheer on the competitors.
Thomas, a multiple track cycling world champion and Olympic gold medallist in the team pursuit, was the youngest cyclist to take part in the 2007 Tour de France.
He said: “The Tour of Britain is a fantastic event that grows in stature every year. I’m a proud Welshman and it’s great that Swansea is hosting the end of the event’s third stage. I’ve taken part in some of the climbs up the Alps as part of the Tour de France but the climb up Constitution Hill also looks particularly challenging. I doubt I’ll be able to concentrate too much on the spectacular views from the top but I’m sure it will be an awesome spectacle for the crowds that come along to watch.
“I just hope I’ll have enough left in the tank after the climb for a strong sprint finish on The Kingsway.”
A detailed traffic management plan is also in place to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum when the event arrives in Swansea.
The Kingsway, Dyfatty Street, New Orchard Street and Orchard Street will be closed from 5am to 6pm on the day and High Street will be restricted to buses and essential access only. Rolling closures will be put in place elsewhere along the route later in the day as the race progresses through the city.
Diversions and signage will also be introduced to minimise disruption and bus marshals will be on duty in the city centre to help travellers find their bus stops. Stewards will be on hand along the route to offer information.
Frances Jenkins, Swansea Council’s Strategic Manager for Marketing, Tourism and Events, said: “This is a major international sports event that will raise Swansea’s profile and boost the local economy as a result of the increased visitor spend on the day. Coverage of this stage and the finish in Swansea will also be shown on ITV.
“There will inevitably be some disruption owing to the nature of the event but there’s been significant forward planning and we have a comprehensive traffic management plan in place to ensure that this disruption is kept to a minimum. We’re also encouraging people to consider other ways of getting into the city centre on the day besides driving in and this is why we’re increasing the availability of park and ride services at sites across Swansea and introducing an additional temporary site at the Recreation Ground.”
Have a look at www.tourofbritainswansea.com for more information.
