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 some of the best British junior cyclists, with past participants including Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas and Josh Tarling. Due to several sections of the race being rerouted, this year’s race will be shorter, measuring under 230 miles compared to the usual 237 miles.
Richard Hopkins, the race organiser, expressed concerns about safety for both riders and the public on 20mph sections where support vehicles struggle to keep up with cyclists who are not bound by speed limits. As a result, the race will no longer end in Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire, the hometown of Emma Finucane, a 21-year-old cyclist who won three medals at this year’s Olympics. The race will commence in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, on Friday and pass through Powys and Carmarthenshire before concluding on Tumble Mountain on Monday, August 26.
Hopkins mentioned that while cyclists are not legally required to adhere to speed limits, the support vehicles must, which poses challenges when navigating 20mph zones. He noted that discussions with the Welsh Government about this issue had taken place early on, but a solution could not be arranged in time. A spokesperson for the government stated that ensuring safety for all participants and road users is a top priority and that collaboration with race organisers had been ongoing to ensure the race’s continuation amid the speed limit changes.
Participants and spectators alike are now preparing for the modified route, with adjustments necessary to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely under the new circumstances. Despite the setbacks, the anticipation and excitement for the Junior Tour of Wales remain high as cyclists gear up to compete in the challenging race across the Welsh landscape.
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