Monmouthshire to offer warm welcome to cyclists Thomas and Froome

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for tourism and leisure has expressed his delight that Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas and Giro d’Italia winner Chris Froome will ride through the county on Sunday 2nd September as both compete in the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.

It will be the first time for Thomas and Froome to ride together in the race since 2009.  The 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain starts at Pembrey near Llanelli on September 2nd and finishes a week later in London.

The route will enter Monmouthshire near Gilwern at about 2pm and will take in the communities of Govilon, Llanfoist, Llanellen, Llanover, Chainbridge, Llancayo, before passing through Usk approximately 35 minutes later.  Competitors will carry on to the end of the first stage of the race in Newport via Llanbadoc and Llangybi.

Councillor Bob Greenland said: “It’s fantastic news that Monmouthshire will welcome two of Britain’s finest cycling athletes as well as many other world class riders passing through the county.  Their appearance is sure to attract large crowds providing marvellous support.  Hosting events like the OVO Energy Tour of Britain helps boost Monmouthshire’s deserved reputation as the cycling capital of Wales.”

Thomas is a regular at the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, having ridden it eight times since his debut with a Great British national team in 2005.  He finished sixth overall in 2009 and wore the British Road Race Champion’s jersey during the race in 2010, while his seventh-placed finish in the 2017 edition also saw him crowned the Adnams Best British Rider.

Froome’s two participations to date came in 2007 and 2009.  He was placed 31st overall in the former, while two years later (when he lined up alongside Thomas as part of the Barloworld-Bianchi team) he finished 50th.  Since then he has established himself as the leading Grand Tour rider of his generation, having won four Tours de France, the 2017 Vuelta a Espana and the 2018 Giro d’Italia.

Race Director Mick Bennett said: "We’re honoured and thrilled that Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome will lead Team Sky at this year’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain.

"To have two of Britain’s greatest ever riders - the reigning Tour de France and Giro d’Italia winners no less - competing in the race is fantastic news for our fans, who will line the streets in order to catch a glimpse of the heroes.

"We saw the amazing response that Geraint received during his homecoming celebrations in Cardiff last week - the fact that Stage One on Sunday 2nd September takes place entirely within Wales means the whole country will be able to celebrate his incredible success in France from the summer.

"Since he last rode in the race, Chris has become - without any doubt - the leading Grand Tour rider of his generation. We're delighted to welcome him back to the OVO Energy Tour of Britain after his Tour, Giro and Vuelta successes in the past year.”

For the second year running, each stage of the race will be shown live and in full on ITV4. Presenter Matt Barbet will be joined former pro rider Yanto Barker and Rebecca Charlton, with Marty MacDonald and Rob Hayles providing the commentary. Eurosport will also air daily live coverage.

·         The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their doorstep, taking place between Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th September.