The Junior Tour of Wales cycling race has been forced to change its route at the last minute due to Wales’ default 20mph speed limit, according to race organisers. The race, set to start on Friday, August 23, attracts top British junior cyclists, including previous participants like Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas and Paris Olympics contender Josh Tarling. Due to safety concerns on 20mph sections, race organisers have rerouted several parts of the race, resulting in a shorter distance of under 230 miles compared to the usual 237 miles. Organiser Richard Hopkins highlighted the challenge of ensuring safety for riders and the public, citing limitations with support vehicles being unable to keep up without speeding in 20mph zones.
The race will no longer conclude in Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire, the hometown of Emma Finucane, a 21-year-old cyclist who achieved three medals at this year’s Olympics. Hopkins explained on BBC Radio Wales that while cyclists are not bound by speed limits, support vehicles must adhere to them, creating a disparity that posed risks for safety coordination. The race will commence with 100 of the best British junior riders in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, on Friday, passing through Powys and Carmarthenshire before finishing on Tumble Mountain on Monday, August 26. Hopkins praised the cooperation of the Welsh Government in attempting to address the challenges posed by the 20mph zones but acknowledged that a comprehensive solution had not been feasible in time.
A Welsh government spokesperson emphasized the priority of ensuring safety for all race participants and road users, confirming collaborative efforts with organisers to explore alternative options to proceed with the event. Despite the disruption in route planning, the race is set to press on with modifications to accommodate the regulatory constraints imposed by the speed restrictions. Supporters and enthusiasts are anticipated to witness the competitive spirit of the young cyclists during the restructured race course. For additional Welsh news updates, readers can subscribe to the WalesOnline newsletter for the latest developments and stories.