On the 8th September 2016, the Tour of Britain is to come within easy reach of Cardiff. As cycling is something we do, we figured it would be a good opportunity to ride up for the start of Stage 5.
The exact details of the route haven’t been released yet, but it’ll be heading east to Gloucester, before heading south west towards Bath. The map appears to show the route skipping south of Bargoed, north of Cwmbran and through Pontypool and Usk on what looks like the A472.
“We are pleased to be returning to South Wales with this year’s Tour of Britain and a new start venue in Aberdare before the race heads across the country taking in many new towns and villages in an area renown for its cycling passion.”
Source: Denbighshire, Flintshire, Powys and Rhondda Cynon Taf on Tour of Britain route in Wales
Bute Park to Aberdare is a 25 mile ride, using a combination of NCN Routes 8 & 4 and the elevation gain is around 400ft. However, it’s a gradual rise rather than a selection of foreboding climbs.
Once up there, we can hopefully catch the start of the race and possibly head across to Hengoed and back down again, but we have plenty of time to sort out the finer details. Alternatively, there is a train station at Aberdare, should you wish to get the train back down.
If this is something that would interest you, get in touch through the comments or the social media channels. The ride would obviously be at your own risk, but it is on national cycle routes mostly, so it should be pretty safe…
Update
Now that we know a little more about the route, common consensus has led us to intermediate sprint in Usk. It’s a bit further out, but there will be a group leaving Maindy Stadium/Leisure Centre at 9am on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/mattd_williams/status/772750309470851073
The whole tour is to be televised on ITV4 as well.
Cardiff By Bike 
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