World-class cyclists set for Llanidloes stage start

Some of the biggest names in women’s cycling will race through Mid Wales this weekend when Llanidloes hosts the start of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women’s toughest stage.

Stage Four of the UCI Women’s WorldTour event will begin in Llanidloes at 11am on Saturday, August 22.

The riders will tackle 138.3km of challenging Mid Wales roads before the expected finish in Hay-on-Wye at around 2.50pm.

Featuring 2,280 metres of ascent, it is the hilliest stage of this year’s race. The route includes a series of demanding climbs and a spectacular section through the Elan Valley.

A field of 114 riders from 19 teams and 24 nations was due to contest this year’s Tour, which began on Wednesday.

Defending champion Ally Wollaston returns hoping to retain her title, while 2024 winner Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes—the most successful rider in the event’s history—are also among the leading names.

Wiebes arrives after winning two stages and the points classification at the recent Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

Other riders to watch include Tour de France Femmes stage winner Kim Le Court Pienaar and Australia’s Georgia Baker, who won four medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Welsh supporters will have the opportunity to cheer on British national road race champion Zoe Backstedt as she competes on home soil.

Backstedt has enjoyed a strong season, including a stage victory at the Tour de Suisse. Her sister Elynor Backstedt is also competing as part of UAE Team ADQ alongside Irish champion Lara Gillespie.

Former British road race champions Millie Couzens, Pfeiffer Georgi and Alice Towers are also included in the line-up.

Saturday’s stage will be the penultimate day of the five-stage race, providing Llanidloes and the surrounding Mid Wales countryside with international exposure.

More information about Stage Four, including the route, is available at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/tourofbritain/women/stagefour