The route of the opening stage for the 2024 Women’s Tour, set to begin from Welshpool, has been revealed.

Ahead of the Grand Depart in Welshpool later this summer, the route for the opening stage that will see some of the world’s top cyclists tackle some of Welsh roads and climbs, the full route has been unveiled.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets to welcome the race, the first major international stage race from British Cycling Events in 2024, on June 6.

Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “It’s exciting that Powys has been chosen to host the Grand Départ from Welshpool for this year’s Tour of Britain Women.

“It will provide a great opportunity for both residents and visitors to watch some of the world’s top cyclists in action as they race through the north of the county and for us to showcase the beauty of our natural surroundings to a national and international audience.”

Stage 1 will depart from Welshpool’s Broad Street. From there the riders will face a “formidably challenging” opening stage, with 2,276m of climbing to endure.

On Welshpool’s role in hosting a pivotal stage of the event, Powys County Council’s Director of Economic Development and Growth, Diane Reynolds, added: “We are delighted that this year’s Tour of Britain Women is going to start in Powys, from one of our many beautiful market towns, Welshpool.

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“It is a town that cycling enthusiasts will enjoy visiting and the area includes many places of interest, and lots of great places to eat or drink a coffee while taking in the race action and exceptional scenery.”

From the start line on Broad Street the stage will then head out through Berriew as riders will take on the Llangynog climb at the 65km mark, known locally as the Berwyn Pass, which is 6km in length with an average gradient of 5.4 percent.

The route also passes through Mid Wales towns such as Llanfyllin and Bala, as well as Llyn Tegid, before passing through the village of Cerrigydrudion.

The stage will also feature one sprint and two Queen of the Mountains segments.

Towards the final stretch, a series of climbs in the last 10km will be the final challenge for those heading towards Llandudno, passing Conwy Castle before reaching the finish line on the promenade.