Tour of Britain - key viewing points

TODAY the Tour of Britain’s Grand Depart at Pembrey Country Park excitement is racing through the county.

Local communities have gone above and beyond to celebrate the biggest professional cycling race coming to Carmarthenshire on September 2 for the first time from decorating their villages with bunting to organising a day of activities for all the family.

Spectators are expected to come from far and wide to follow the world famous cyclists which includes the Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and his Sky team mate, Chris Froome. There will be several great viewing points across the county which includes Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthen and Llandovery.

Pembrey are holding a ‘festival of cycling’ which begins on Saturday September 1.

There will be cycling activities throughout the weekend for all ages and an opportunity for everyone to join in the land art activity with live music performed in the evening on the sage. Pembrey Country Park have their very own ‘Gwair Geraint’ which is an ideal spot to watch the race travel through the county on the big screen.

County Hall Carmarthen will be another key viewing point for spectators with plenty of opportunities to grab a selfie with the big green bike. Radio Carmarthenshire will be broadcasting live form County Hall along with activities such as crazy golf, face painting, and Carmarthen castle tours.

There won’t be parking charges at any Carmarthenshire County Council car park that is on the Tour of Britain route, except for County Hall as it will be used as a viewing point.

Llandovery are holding a family fun day that includes road and cycling safety activities, general stalls in Market Square, bicycle competitions, choir and band performances.

There will be a children’s competition for the best decorated and painted bike and a display of vintage bicycles.

Kidwelly, Llanarthne, Ffairfach and Bethlehem communities have prepared events for the Tour of Britain and details of these events are on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, executive board member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “This is a very exciting time for Carmarthenshire as we welcome the Tour of Britain for the first time. It has been great to see the local communities pulling together and preparing the warmest of welcome.”