29, 30, 31, August 2009

The Junior Tour of Wales Cycle Race takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, and comprises of 5 stages of fast and furious road racing over just 3 days.

The event is open to any rider aged between 16 and 18 years of age.  If you are too young for this event then take a look at our event for 6 to 16 year olds at Arriva Trains Youth Tour of Wales.

The race headquarters for Saturday and Monday is at Nantyglo Leisure Centre in the borough of Blaenau Gwent and is sponsored by R.I.S. Insulation and the local County Borough Council.

The race travels through the Counties of Gwent, Dyfed and Powys - through the spectacular scenery of the Brecon Beacons. Traditionally the race starts with a prologue time trial, with 3 road race stages and a circuit race. The final stage takes in the breathtaking climb of Tumble Mountain – a 5 mile climb of a 10 % gradient.

Previous races have attracted riders from Holland, France, Eire and America, with past winners going on to ride for top Continental Teams and win the British Road Race.   This has included the 2007 Tour de France riders - David Millar, Charlie Wegelius, and Geraint Thomas.

Entries are always welcomed !

BBC Wales interview the Welsh stars !  Click here to view

The race has two major sponsors, R.I.S. Roof Insulation Services and Blaenau Gwent County Council but still has competitions within the overall race e.g. King of the Mountains, Points Jersey, team etc. that are available to other sponsors.

Jeff Banks (fashion designer) is now the patron of the Junior Tour of Wales.  Jeff watched the 2008 race and was impressed with the performance of the young competitors.  He is a keen cyclist and has completed a number of prestige rides.  Jeff has ridden in the last fifteen years - Lands End to John O Groats twice (the last time in 6 days), London to Lake Como, The diagonal across France – Brest to Menton, The length of Italy – Bari to Venice. The Tour of Switzerland 1000 miles. Krakow to Istanbul,  Across Spain - Malaga to Biarritz and in 2007 he rode ten stages of The Tour de France.

Download the Race Manual 2008 (12mb)  or here Race Manual 2008 (2mb)

Read some more about the tour and the Wales Team at isporty

For further information about race entries, sponsorship or purchasing advertising space contact the race organiser, John Richards or email John Richards:  john.richards@juniortourofwales.org

The R.I.S. Junior Tour of Wales is pleased to associated with and supported by:

A very special "Thank You" to all the young roving reporters at BRfm - Brynmawr Radio

The time trial start sheet will be posted on the site nearer to the event "click here".

Thinking about entering, but haven’t got an entry form?

Click this hyperlink to take you to a Word document that you can save or print out.