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Tour of Britain: Cycle race makes north Wales debut Tour of Britain: Cycle race makes north Wales debut
(about 3 hours later)
Crowds of people have greeted some of the world's best riders, as the Tour of Britain cycle race entered north Wales for the first time.Crowds of people have greeted some of the world's best riders, as the Tour of Britain cycle race entered north Wales for the first time.
Cyclists passed through Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy before finishing in Llanberis.Cyclists passed through Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy before finishing in Llanberis.
Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish took part in Wednesday's stage which was eventually won by Mark Cavendish.Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish took part in Wednesday's stage which was eventually won by Mark Cavendish.
On Thursday, the peloton will tackle a 177km (110-miles) stage from Machynlleth, Powys, to south Wales.On Thursday, the peloton will tackle a 177km (110-miles) stage from Machynlleth, Powys, to south Wales.
Thousands of spectators turned out for the first three stages of the eight-stage race, which began in Scotland last Sunday, and is due to end in London this Sunday.Thousands of spectators turned out for the first three stages of the eight-stage race, which began in Scotland last Sunday, and is due to end in London this Sunday.
The first riders entered north Wales shortly after midday on Wednesday, at Bangor-on-Dee, near Wrexham.The first riders entered north Wales shortly after midday on Wednesday, at Bangor-on-Dee, near Wrexham.
In Wrexham, spectators lined the streets as police out riders led a rolling road block through the town centre.In Wrexham, spectators lined the streets as police out riders led a rolling road block through the town centre.
'Massive' success
Speaking after the riders had passed through the town, Wrexham council leader Neil Rogers said: "We were thrilled when it was announced that the Tour of Britain would be coming through Wrexham and it was great to see so many people coming out to support the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish as they made their way through the town.Speaking after the riders had passed through the town, Wrexham council leader Neil Rogers said: "We were thrilled when it was announced that the Tour of Britain would be coming through Wrexham and it was great to see so many people coming out to support the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish as they made their way through the town.
"The Tour of Britain capped off what has been a massive few weeks for cycling in the region, following hot on the heels of the area hosting Etape Cymru.""The Tour of Britain capped off what has been a massive few weeks for cycling in the region, following hot on the heels of the area hosting Etape Cymru."
Competitors made their way through five of north Wales' six counties before finishing in Llanberis shortly after 16:00 BST.Competitors made their way through five of north Wales' six counties before finishing in Llanberis shortly after 16:00 BST.
Road closures were also in force along the route.Road closures were also in force along the route.
Mick Bennett, the race director, said: "This year's two Welsh stages will provide an opportunity for cycling fans from across the country to see The Tour of Britain in action.Mick Bennett, the race director, said: "This year's two Welsh stages will provide an opportunity for cycling fans from across the country to see The Tour of Britain in action.
"Both stages feature some of the best scenery from anywhere on The Tour of Britain but also very demanding climbs that will help shape the nature of this year's race."Both stages feature some of the best scenery from anywhere on The Tour of Britain but also very demanding climbs that will help shape the nature of this year's race.
Event destination
"Last year it was on the stage to Caerphilly that Jonathan Tiernan Locke won the race showing just how decisive the Welsh mountains can be.""Last year it was on the stage to Caerphilly that Jonathan Tiernan Locke won the race showing just how decisive the Welsh mountains can be."
Councillor Hugh Evans, chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase north Wales as a destination, not only for cyclists but also visitors and indeed our own residents."Councillor Hugh Evans, chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase north Wales as a destination, not only for cyclists but also visitors and indeed our own residents."
He added: "North Wales is fast earning a name for itself as a destination to host major events.He added: "North Wales is fast earning a name for itself as a destination to host major events.
"We really hope this event will put the spotlight firmly on north Wales and that the success will attract other great events to our region in future.""We really hope this event will put the spotlight firmly on north Wales and that the success will attract other great events to our region in future."