Bradley Wiggins to race from Powis Castle to Caerphilly in Tour of Britain

Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins will be taking part in the Tour of Britain

Powys and Caerphilly are getting set to welcome Tour de France and Olympic Gold winner Bradley Wiggins and world race champion Mark Cavendish when they compete in the Tour of Britain.

The pair will be among 100 riders who will compete in Wales on 14 September.

The Welsh stage starts at Powis Castle, Welshpool, and finishes in Caerphilly.

Coun Graham Brown, Powys cabinet member for regeneration and culture, said it was "wonderful news" and that local residents would welcome the riders.

"We are delighted that Bradley and Mark will be competing in this year's Tour of Britain," he said.

"To have both the current Tour de France and Olympic Gold winner and the current World Champion competing in the county is wonderful news.

"I'm sure that the people of Powys will cheer them and the other riders enthusiastically when they compete next month."

Mountain challenges

The Tour of Britain runs from 9 to 16 September in a series of eight stages.

Powis Castle is the starting point for the Welsh stage of the Tour of Britain

Stage 6 will begin at Powis Castle, heading south with a sprint through Kerry before arriving in Newtown.

The Tour continues through Llandrindod Wells for a second sprint, then Builth Wells, and a new "King of the Mountains" climb over Mynydd Epynt.

The route then goes through the Brecon Beacons towards Ystrad Mynach, following the old road through Llanbradach to Caerphilly.

The competitors then face two gruelling climbs to the top of Caerphilly mountain, before coming back down into the town for the finale against the backdrop of Caerphilly Castle.

Caerphilly council leader Harry Andrews was pleased at the prospect of welcoming Wiggins and his team to Wales.

"It is a great honour that Caerphilly County Borough will play host to this extraordinary champion, shortly after he has inspired the nation with his Tour de France and Olympic successes," said Coun Andrews.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved with this incredible event by coming along to support all of the riders as they make their way through our county borough."