Welshpool's gain is Newtown's loss

The prestigious Tour of Britain cycle race will launch its Welsh leg on Day Four from Powis Castle followed by a lap of the one-way system before heading off to Caerphilly via the Brecon Beacons.

 

The event, Britain’s version of the Tour de France, will run through Scotland, England and Wales for the first time and last year enjoyed a successful Welsh stage launched from Newtown, who pulled out all the stops to send Europe’s top cyclists on their way.

 

The news has disappointed the town who’s Mayor described it as a “shame”.

 

“I have no idea why the Tour has chosen Welshpool this year,” said Councillor Joy Jones. “It was a great event for Newtown and I really enjoyed being involved in all the arrangements as well as the race. It is a shame they have taken it elsewhere.”

 

And Welshpool Town Clerk Robert Robinson says the town did not actively seek to host it but was asked by Powys County Council who lobbied to bring the tour through its landscape.

 

“Although Welshpool is obviously honoured to have the event starting at Powis Castle we did not seek to take it from Newtown,” he said: “Powys County Council asked if we would host it.  The event will start from the castle and come out of the Park Gates, do one lap of the Town Centre one-way system and then out.

 

“Work has now started on creating an event around the race.”

 

The Tour of Britain, which starts in Scotland on September 11 will reach Welshpool four days later and is another massive coup for the town which recently hosted the Bulldog Rally and has a number of events this summer including the Red Arrows performing at the Air Show as well as the Music Festival in September.