Caneletto’s ‘The Stonemason’s Yard’ can be seen in Aberystwyth from May 10. Canaletto’s masterpiece, ‘The Stonemason’s Yard’, is returning to Wales as part of the National Gallery's anniversary celebrations. National Treasures: Canaletto in Aberystwyth will star in the Idyll and Industry exhibition which opens in the Gregynog Gallery at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth on Friday, May 10. The exhibition tells the incredible story of this painting and how it came to Wales as a ‘refugee’ from bombing during the Second World War to be safely protected in the cavernous Manod slate mines. ‘The Stonemason’s Yard’ and the wider Idyll and Industry exhibition coincides with the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary. The National Treasures project celebrates this special occasion by placing 12 masterpieces from the National Gallery’s collection in museums and art galleries across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The National Library of Wales exhibition will be the only opportunity to view one of these masterpieces in Wales. The exhibition will also display Welsh landscapes from the National Art Collection and will explore the artistic and thematic links between ‘The Stonemason’s Yard’ and the scenery of Wales. A rich tapestry of the idyllic and the industrial, Wales’ vistas have been a source of inspiration for many artists. The exhibition will include works by classical artists such as Richard Wilson, J. M. W. Turner and Penry Williams alongside more modern works by artists like Graham Sutherland, Mary Lloyd Jones and Ernest Zobole. In a first for the library, the exhibition will include an audio described tour for a selection of items on display. Following successful trials with local visitors who are blind or have visual impairments, this is further development towards making the library’s collections more accessible and the exhibitions more inclusive. Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, the library’s chief executive, said: "This promises to be a very special exhibition and we are extremely grateful to be working in partnership with the National Gallery. “It is an honour to have one of Canaletto's masterpieces here. Displaying the work alongside some of the highlights of the National Art Collection in the library creates a great opportunity to appreciate the richness and diversity of the Welsh experience and the responses to that in art." Mari Elin Jones, the library’s interpretation officer, said: "Working with the National Gallery on this exhibition to mark their 200th anniversary has been an incredible privilege. “Being able to welcome Canaletto’s masterpiece back to Wales, after having taken refuge here 80 years ago, is tremendously exciting and we cannot wait to share with the public this fascinating story. “This exhibition has also been a fantastic impetus to delve deeper into our own national collection of Welsh landscape art and we’re thrilled to be showcasing nearly 100 works spanning over 250 years in the majestic Gregynog Gallery." The exhibition will be on display at library from May 10 until September 7 and a programme of associated events will be shared on the Library’s website in the coming weeks.
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The route has been revealed for the opening stage of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women in Mid Wales, ahead of the Grand Départ in Welshpool on June 6. The opening stage will see the world’s top riders tackle some of Wales’ most iconic roads and climbs, with thousands expected to line the streets to welcome the race. The stage starts in Welshpool’s Broad Street at 11.15am, with riders expected to reach the finish in Llandudno at around 3.10pm. The riders will face a formidably challenging opening stage, with 2,276m of climbing and 142.5kms to endure. The stage will also feature one sprint and two Queen of the Mountains segments. Heading out through Berriew, the peloton will take in Castle Caereinion, Llanfair Caereinon, Dolanog, Llanfyllin, Penybontfawr and the challenging Llangynog climb at the 65km mark, known locally as the Berwyn Pass, which is 6km long with an average gradient of 5.4%. The route then heads to Bala, touching the shores of the expansive Llyn Tegid, before passing through the picturesque village of Cerrigydrudion. A series of punchy climbs with 10km to go are likely to whittle down the bunch as it enters Llandudno, passing Conwy Castle before a spectacular finish on the promenade. Swansea-born Eluned King, who rides for Lifeplus Wahoo, said: “I am so excited to be lining up for my first Tour of Britain Women and racing at home is always special. I’m particularly excited for the two Welsh stages where, hopefully, all my years of riding grippy Welsh roads will pay off. “The roads and terrain in Mid and North Wales will provide some really entertaining racing and opportunities as well as having some of the best roadside support! Gwelai chi yn fuan! (See you soon!)" Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “It’s exciting that Powys has been chosen to host the Grand Départ from Welshpool for this year’s Tour of Britain Women. “It will provide a great opportunity for both residents and visitors to watch some of the world’s top cyclists in action as they race through the north of the county and for us to showcase the beauty of our natural surroundings to a national and international audience.” Tour of Britain race director, Rod Ellingworth, said: “Working with our partners, we’ve been able to plot out two really challenging and entertaining stages in Wales to open the race, with some iconic climbs and opportunities for the sprinters too. “We wanted the Tour of Britain Women to show off the very best of Britain’s roads and scenery and, having spent a lot of time out driving the routes, I’m absolutely certain that we’ve delivered. “Finalising the routes in such a short timeframe has been a huge challenge, and only made possible thanks to the support of colleagues in Welsh Government, Conwy County Borough Council, Powys County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council, who deserve enormous credit for the commitment to the race and women’s cycling more broadly.” Exhibitors and visitors were united in describing the weekend’s successful Wonderwool Wales 2024 as one of the best ever shows. The award-winning two-day event, which celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, attracted around 6,000 visitors, with the bulk attending on a bumper Saturday Held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, the show exceeded 4,000 advance online ticket sales and there were a lot of tickets sold at the gate over the weekend. Overseas visitors travelled from as far away to Australia, America and Canada, including a party of 18 booked with Rowan Tree Travel. “We probably had our best ever single day attendance on Saturday and everyone, exhibitors and visitors alike, loved the show,” said Chrissie Menzies, Wonderwool Wales director. “The feedback was very positive. “There were some really interesting new stands, selling lovely things and exhibitors had made a big effort. The show ran very smoothly thanks to the 30 plus stewards who worked so well together over the weekend. We really appreciate their efforts.” Wonderwool Wales had around 220 exhibitors, including 40 newcomers, and costs around £120,000 to stage. New exhibitors are Gary Jones Ceramics from Leintwardine, Phoenix Pottery from Conwy, the Museum of Welsh Textiles, Knighton and the Indian Block Print Company from Bicester. Another newcomer was Glamorgan Smallholders’ Great Glamorgan Sock Project, which involves members making a pair of socks from each sheep breed in the county. It was ceramic sculptor Garry Jones’ first Wonderwool Wales and he pledged to return after receiving so much positive feedback from visitors. “I don’t think I have been to a show where I have received so many compliments,” he said on Monday. “I came away from the show so happy. “I have more than covered my costs and the telephone has been ringing and emails pinging this morning. Around 95 per cent of the people I spoke to were creatives who appreciated the time and skill that goes in to my work. The show had a wonderful feeling about it.” Many of the American visitors made a beeline for regular exhibitor Erica Downs from Debonnaire Yarns in Rutland, who is originally a New Yorker. “I love Wonderwool Wales because the energy here is always really good,” she said. “The show attracts people from all around the world and I have been exhibiting here for so long that I have people coming back to see me every year. It’s an incredibly well organised event.” Siobhan Beaudin, owner of Siobhans Crafts, Warrington, was another happy exhibitor. "It was a great show, the atmosphere was amazing and the customers were all so friendly and chatty. It’s such a well organised show and we loved our time vending there." One of the most popular exhibitors this year was ‘Flock2Flight’, an engaging display of felted birds created by fibre artist Janna Turner and two friends, Alex Johnstone and Deborah Taylor Dyer. Both Shepton Mallet based Janna, who runs Flocks2Felts, and Alex were no strangers to Wonderwool Wales. Janna was project lead and felting advisor and Alex contributed to an eye-catching Alice in Wonderwool exhibition in 2022. This year’s display featured colourful birds which included mechanics to make them fly. There were a small flock of swallows flew in circles, a zipwire peregrine falcon, a mechanical pelican, a flying flamingo and phoenix, owls, bird marionettes and hand puppets. Money donated at the display and around the overall show will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance and Ukrainian charity NGO Molotok, Wonderwool Wales’ adopted charities. “We had a lot of positive feedback to the display,” said Janna. “We were very busy on Saturday and it was lovely to see people walking past and then stop in their tracks when they saw the birds. The fact that we allowed people to interact with the display was a key point.” This year’s event saw nine Woolschool afternoon workshops each day, giving visitors the chance to learn or perfect their skills with help from an expert. Another popular feature, the Sheep Walk fashion show, kept the audience entertained on both days. Visitors were encouraged to knit, crochet or make and wear their own beanie or hat to add colour to the event, with one of the Wonderwool stewards awarding vouchers to the best hats on both days. Wonderwool Wales 2023 Bursary winners Jade Carey Holt, from Aberystwyth and Kay-lee Davies, from Capel Dewi, near Llandysul, exhibited their work and were delighted to return to the show, which originally inspired them. Wonderwool Wales was first held in 2006 to promote the market for Welsh wool and to add value to products made by small wool and fibre producers in Wales. The show celebrates the green credentials of Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more. Wonderwool Wales covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process. Exhibits of sheep, raw and hand dyed fibres, yarn for knitting and crochet, embellishments, equipment, dyes and books can be found alongside superb examples of finished textile art, craft, clothing and home furnishings. Janna Turner (centre) with Alex Johnstone (left) and Deborah Taylor Dyer with the Flock2Flight display. Wonderwool Wales, the award-winning show that celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, is on target go achieve 6,000 visitors this coming weekend. The event, which is being held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, exceeded 4,000 online ticket sales at https://wonderwoolwales.ticketsrv.co.uk last week and the organisers expect more to be sold in the coming days, as well as at the gate. Overseas visitors will be travelling from as far away to Australia, America and Canada, including a party of 18 booked with Rowan Tree Travel. Tickets cost £12 per day or £22 for the weekend and young people aged under 16 years get in free. “Online ticket sales are ahead of where they normally are and we could well have 6,000 visitors this year, “ said Wonderwool Wales director Chrissie Menzies. “We are delighted that the event is becoming ever more popular because it costs around £120,000 to stage and any surplus is reinvested.” The show will have around 220 exhibitors, including around 40 newcomers this year. Some of the new exhibitors are Gary Jones Ceramics from Leintwardine, Phoenix Pottery from Conwy, the Museum of Welsh Textiles, Knighton and the Indian Block Print Company from Bicester. Another newcomer is Glamorgan Smallholders’ Great Glamorgan Sock Project, which involves members making a pair of socks from each sheep breed in the county. Certain to attract a lot of interest will be ‘Flock2Flight’, an engaging display of felted birds which measures 10 metres by three metres. It’s the creation of fibre artist Janna Turner and two friends, Alex Johnstone and Deborah Taylor Dyer. Both Shepton Mallet based Janna, who runs Flocks2Felts, and Alex are no strangers to Wonderwool Wales. Janna was project lead and felting advisor to a special, eight-metre long exhibition entitled Alice in Wonderwool in 2022. This year, Janna is featuring colourful birds in the display, some of which include wooden mechanics to make them fly. For example, there’s a small flock of swallows that fly in circles, a zipwire bird, a diving kingfisher, bird marionettes and hand puppets. “When we did the Alice in Wonderwool display in 2022, people were not allowed to touch the exhibits,” said Janna. “This time, I will be encouraging people to engage with the birds and have a play as they walk around. I just love seeing their reactions. There are also hand puppets for people to take selfies with.” Money raised by the display will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance and Ukrainian charity NGO Molotok, Wonderwool Wales’ adopted charities. This year’s event will see nine Woolschool afternoon workshops each day, with only a limited number of spaces left. The Woolschools, which give visitors the chance to learn or perfect their skills with help from an expert, can be booked online at the Wonderwool Wales website. Another popular feature, the Sheep Walk fashion show, will keep the audience entertained on both days. This year, all visitors are being encouraged to knit, crochet or make and wear their own beanie or hat to add colour to the event. Stewards will be awarding vouchers to the best hats on both days. Wonderwool Wales 2023 Bursary winners Jade Carey Holt, from Aberystwyth and Kay-lee Davies, from Capel Dewi, near Llandysul, will be exhibiting their work on stand C1. To tantalise the tastebuds, new street food caterers join the popular regulars to provide a wider menu for show visitors. Wonderwool Wales was first held in 2006 to promote the market for Welsh wool and to add value to products made by small wool and fibre producers in Wales. The show celebrates the green credentials of Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more. Wonderwool Wales covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process. Exhibits of sheep, raw and hand dyed fibres, yarn for knitting and crochet, embellishments, equipment, dyes and books can be found alongside superb examples of finished textile art, craft, clothing and home furnishings. Find out more about the 2024 show at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk , like Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook or follow on Twitter @wonderwoolwales The Sheep Walk fashion show at last year’s Wonderwool Wales.
The challenging Devil’s Staircase awaits runners on October 5. A busy year of wacky and wonderful outdoor activities in Llanwrtyd Wells, reputedly the smallest town in Britain, continues with the Welsh Open Stone Skimming Competition on Sunday, May 26. The Mid Wales town has developed a reputation for organising a series of off the wall outdoor activities since 1980 under the leadership of Green Events. Welsh Open Stone Skimming Competition starts at around 10.30am at the Manor Adventure Centre, with online entries at the Green Events website - https://www.green-events.co.uk - or on the day. Entrants must be eight years and above. Next event on the Llanwrtyd Wells calendar is the famous Whole Earth Man v Horse Race on June 8, which has a full entry list already. The event will be supported by refreshments, a bar and music. Drovers’ Walks will be held on June 22 when walkers will follow in the footsteps of the drovers of old who used to drive their sheep, cattle, pigs and geese across the mountains to the market towns of England. There is a choice of a 12 or 20 mile walk through the beautiful summer countryside around Llanwrtyd Wells. One of the checkpoints will be sited at the location of an old drovers' inn, which is re-opened for the day, serving locally brewed traditional ale and other refreshments. August 10 is the date of the Cider Cycle, a sociable, non-competitive mountain bike ride over a marked course with the opportunity of sampling cider – and other drinks - along the route. This route is suitable for all standards of mountain bike riders with challenges for the more experienced. August Bank Holiday weekend, August 24 and 25, see two major events, beginning with the Chapel Bogathlon, a mud run crossed with a triathlon, which this year includes a 60 yard swim first, followed by a two mile mountain bike and a one mile run. All three disciplines are off road and involve mud and water. Next day, Sunday, the Chapel World Bogsnorkelling Championships will be held, a mix of madness and effort. Competitors either compete to be the fastest snorkeller over 120 yards, with no arm strokes permitted, or to win the best costume category. The current fastest time record is one minute 12.34 seconds, which was set in 2023. There are trophies in various categories and the event has refreshments, a bar and live music. The Mid Wales Four Day Walking Festival will be held from September 18 to 21. Running since 1980, this festival attracts walkers from around the world with way-marked routes of 12 or 20 miles. Later in the year, the Trailhead Get Jerky Devils Staircase ultra trail run will be held on October 5, covering around 30 miles over a very tough course. This endurance race has a total ascent and descent of about 4,700ft, starting and finishing at the Neuadd Arms in the centre of Llanwrtyd Wells. The race route combines a mixture of tarmacadam road, forest tracks, bogland, farmland and river crossings. The Ron Skilton Memorial Half Marathon, which is held to raise both awareness and funding for MNDA, will be held on October 20 over a tough and quite hilly course. November 16 sees the Real Ale Wobble, a sociable, non-competitive mountain bike ride which involves the chance of sampling real ale en route. This event is suitable for all standard of riders with special sections for the more experienced. The Real Ale Ramble, on November 23 and 24, is held annually in conjunction with the 10-day Mid Wales Beer Festival. The ramble begins from the Town Square and follows either of two waymarked routes of 12 or 20 miles and two guided routes of five and eight miles with free real ales available at checkpoints. For full details of these and other events, visit www.green-events.co.uk , email bob.g@green-events.co.uk or call 01591 610666 or 07856 357754. Green Events is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality business across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Gregynog, one of Wales’ leading country houses and former home of art collectors and music lovers Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, is to host two music and dance events next week. The picturesque venue, located at Tregynon, near Newtown, welcomes virtuoso violinist Ezo Sarici and her fellow Menuhin School graduate, guitarist Finlay Hay, on Monday, April 29 with tickets available for £15 at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/616557/ . The brilliant musicians will perform ‘Two to Tango’, a programme including pieces by Astor Piazzola and Ana Carla Maza, a selection of tango and folk inspired music. Ezo and Finlay requested to perform and generously donate the proceeds to Gregynog’s roof appeal in exchange for a night's accommodation. Next day, Tuesday, Jones the Dance will take centre stage when they perform ‘Y Dewis’, a combined live and film experience, with tickets costing £12 or £9 for students and children at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/611055/ . Jones the Dance used to be known as Gwyn Emberton Dance, named after Gwyn, an internationally acclaimed choreographer who grew up in Montgomery. One hour before each 7pm show, Gregynog will run a short, fun dance workshop to give participants of all ages and abilities a chance to test their choreography skills. A duo as schoolmates, Ezo and Finlay have reunited to share their musical heritage and passion. Together again for a brief series, they blend traditional melodies from their homelands with the sultry rhythms of tango, coming together for a harmonious celebration of a shared joy in music. For more information about Gregynog, visit https://gregynog.org/ . Aerial view of the Royal Welsh Show. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is to hold a business breakfast on May 3 to promote opportunities for Ceredigion based businesses and organisations at the 2024 Royal Welsh Show. This event at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter will be an opportunity for businesses in and around Ceredigion to make new connections with partners, suppliers and potential clients. The breakfast will also be a chance to learn more about how businesses can get involved and work with the RWAS during Ceredigion’s year as the show’s feature county. Attendees will hear from key RWAS officeholders, including chief executive Aled Rhys Jones, about the upcoming show, the charitable aims and objectives of the RWAS and the various sponsorship packages and retail opportunities available. The event is free to attend and will take place in the Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter Campus, from 9am to midday. Light breakfast refreshments will be included. To register an interest and dietary requirements, businesses are asked to email sponsorship@rwas.co.uk . Booking is first come, first served. A previous ASAO Conference at the Royal Welsh Showground. Up to 80 show and event organisers from across Wales and influential speakers are due to attend a conference in Mid Wales next week. The Agricultural Shows Conference of Wales will be held at the International Pavilion on the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on Friday, April 26. Supported by the Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), the conference brings together representatives from Welsh agricultural, horticultural, equine and countryside events. They work together to share best practice between agricultural societies and related organisations. The conference is a great opportunity for ASAO members to meet and discuss upcoming agricultural shows in Wales. RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones will welcome delegates before Amy Smith from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), gives an update in a session chaired by Dafydd, RWAS vet. Other morning speakers are Hannah Thomas, ITV Wales rural affairs correspondent, who will deliver a media session on protests, politics and the media, ASAO secretary Paul Hooper, who will provide an update. The afternoon will see addresses from Caroline Westwood, senior lecturer in events management at Sheffield Hallam University and Dr Greg Langridge-Thomas, of Builth Wells Event Safety Group, who will speak about the changing roles and expectations of agricultural shows. Jon Williams, Powys County Council’s economy projects support officer, will talk about grant funding opportunities in session chaired by Wales YFC chief executive Mared Rand Jones, followed by an open forum, chaired by Geraint James, RWAS Festival honorary director and closing remarks from Rachel Powell, RWAS head of operations. The conference is sponsored by Event Operations Specialists (EOS), TICKETsrv, Fingers & Forks, Orion Print, Entrymaster and DCRS Radios. Entrymaster offers online competition, event and registration solutions with bespoke software branded with your logo, to seamlessly connect with your website. DCRS services include the hire and sale of voice and data radio communication systems, bodycams and applications. Register attendance for free at https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/ASAO2024 . To view the full event programme please go to the RWAS website: https://rwas.wales/whats-on/asao-agricultural-shows-conference-of-wales/ . For further information, contact Helen Evans at helen@rwas.co.uk. Matt and Nicky Capner from Silver Service Executive Travel, Russell Cooke, Kerry Vale Vineyard owners and Page Eades and Sam Parker from Marrington Escapes. A vineyard on the Shropshire border with Wales is hoping to join forces with a number of local businesses in an effort to boost local tourism and promote the area. Last Friday, Kerry Vale Vineyard, near Montgomery, invited a group of local businesses to a wine tasting afternoon to sample wine and discuss ways of working together to boost rural tourism and ensure sustainable economic growth. The award-winning local wine producer has taken a significant step towards fostering community spirit and economic growth by hosting the successful trade tasting event. The event achieved its aim of bringing together local hospitality providers, offering them a chance to sample exquisite wines with the hope of featuring them in their establishments. The afternoon gathering was more than just a wine tasting - it was a collaborative effort to strengthen rural tourism and promote sustainable economic growth. Passionate advocates for the local area, vineyard owners Russell and Janet Cooke are committed to showcasing the Shropshire/Powys borderlands as an enticing holiday destination. “Tourism is a vital economic driver for rural communities,” said Russell. “By uniting with local businesses, we all stand to gain which in turn bolsters business opportunities for all.” The event saw participation from a diverse group of local businesses, including a wine merchant, various accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and even a private travel firm interested in conducting local tours. This initiative is a testament to the community’s shared vision of promoting regional attractions and ensuring visitors have memorable experiences. Paige Eades from Marrington Escapes said: “Kerry Vale Vineyard is a charming local attraction that our guests will undoubtedly enjoy when visiting Shropshire and beyond. The afternoon was a fantastic opportunity to foster local connections and spark collaborative ideas for future partnerships.” Nicky Capner from Silver Service Executive Travel added: “We came away so excited about the prospect of building Kerry Vale Vineyard into our new tour adventure. We’re optimistic that this marks the start of long-term partnerships that will mutually enhance our businesses.” The vineyard is nestled in picturesque landscape on the Shropshire/Powys border. With a commitment to quality and community, the vineyard has become a beacon for local tourism and a symbol of collaborative economic development, attracting more than 1,000 visitors a year for its popular tour programme. Any business that missed the event but is interested in working with the vineyard is asked to call Nadine Roach on Tel: 01588 620627 or email nadine@kerryvalevineyard.co.uk to arrange a bespoke wine tasting and tour. Kerry Vale Vineyard is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that supports more than 600 independent tourism-related businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Grace Brown of Team FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope celebrates victory in the Women’s Tour 2022 Wrexham to Welshpool stage with Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Team Canyon SRAM Racing in second and Elisa Longo Borghini of Team Trek Segafredo in third Picture credit: SWPix. Tourism in Mid Wales will receive a big boost when Welshpool hosts the start of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women stages on Thursday, June 6. Taking place from June 6-9, the event will feature four tough stages of racing in what will be the first major international stage race delivered by British Cycling Events. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets for what is the nation’s biggest free-to-attend sporting event, as the country gears up for another thrilling summer of cycling. Llandudno will host the stage finish on day one before Wrexham welcomes the world’s top female riders and teams for both the start and finish of stage two. This year’s race will feature a number of familiar start and finish locations which have successfully hosted major international events in recent years. The race will begin in Welshpool, which hosted the thrilling finish of stage four of the 2022 Women’s Tour, when Australia’s Grace Brown (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope) sprinted to victory. The stage will see riders head north to the picturesque seaside town of Llandudno, in what will be a challenging start to the race. Stage two will see riders stay in Wales for a start and finish in Wrexham, which also featured in the 2022 Women’s Tour. The caravan then will cross the Welsh border to the north-west of England, where Warrington will host both the start and finish of stage three on Saturday. The race concludes in Greater Manchester. The race route has been designed and agreed in just 10 weeks, alongside the launch of a new vision for major cycling events in Britain. Jon Dutton OBE, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Our primary focus has been to deliver a safe and competitive race in 2024. We remain every bit as determined to harness the race’s spotlight to make a real impact in the communities which it touches. We know that is a vision which resonates strongly in conversations with prospective commercial partners and hosts.” Rod Ellingworth, Tour of Britain race director, said: “The race will take in four competitive and challenging routes, some challenging climbing in Wales and what I’m sure will be brilliant crowds on the roadside throughout.” Lizzie Deignan, former road world champion and Olympic silver medallist, said: “It’s always special to race in Britain, and I’m so pleased to have two top level stage races to look forward to on home soil as I ramp up my preparations for a busy summer ahead. “There’s clearly so much support and fondness for the race, both at home and further afield. The four stage hosts deserve credit for their commitment to women’s racing and for helping to make the race happen, and I’m sure that together we can put on a brilliant show in June.” Welsh Government Economy Secretary, Jeremy Miles said: “Wales and cycling go hand in hand, with our spectacular scenery and routes providing elite and recreational cyclists alike with both challenge and enjoyment. “This is a welcome return to Wales for this fantastic event and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Welshpool, Llandudno, Wrexham and the surrounding area to an ever-growing cycling audience. “We are very pleased to have been able to support the event and look forward to providing a warm ‘Croeso’ to all in June.” Powys County Council’s director of economic development and growth, Diane Reynolds, said: “We are delighted that this year’s Tour of Britain Women is going to start in Powys, from one of our many beautiful market towns, Welshpool. “It is a town that cycling enthusiasts will enjoy visiting and the area includes many places of interest, and lots of great places to eat or drink a coffee while taking in the race action and exceptional scenery.” |
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