A charity has moved its annual cycling event after the Tour of Britain announced plans be in south Wales on the same date. St David's Hospice has announced it has taken the "difficult decision" to change new date for the Tour de Gwent because of the clash. The charity ride will now take place on Sunday, September 24..
A statement from the charity said: "Due to the clash in these two massive cycling events in south Wales on the same day, we thought it only fair to make way for the Tour of Britain to give all cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy both events. Moving the date has been a difficult decision, but we hope that by doing so, even more of you will be able to join us at the Whitehead Tour de Gwent."
The Tour of Britain is the UK’s biggest cycle race and this year will feature its first return to the Caerphilly Mountain climb since 2013 as part of a final stage in South Wales. Stage eight of the Tour will see more than 100 of the world’s best riders race from the picturesque Margam Country Park to the finish line by Caerphilly Castle. The Tour de Gwent was also supposed to be on the same day - September 10.
The Tour's website says: "Far from being a ceremonial end to the race, the battle to be crowned Tour of Britain champion will go down to the wire thanks to a stunning but challenging route supported by the Welsh Government.
"The sting in the tail comes in the form of a double ascent of Caerphilly Mountain, the gradient of which averages 10.1% across its 1.3 kilometres. An estimated 10,000 spectators lined the route of this much-loved climb in 2013, the last time it featured in the Tour of Britain.
"Stage eight is support in principle by Welsh Government as part of an agreement unveiled in 2022 that will see the Tour of Britain and its sister race, the Women’s Tour, each visit the country in alternate years through to 2026."
The Tour de Gwent, organised by St David’s Hospice Care and sponsored by Whitehead Building Services, is the annual cycling event to raise money for the charity. Hundreds of cyclists have six different rides to choose from, including the one that involves the Caerphilly Mountain climb.
