Your guide as the Tour of Britain’s final stage comes to Caerphilly

On Sunday September 10, Caerphilly town has the honour of playing host to The Tour of Britain’s final stage in a cycling spectacle which is likely to prove decisive in the eight-stage contest.

Star names from the world of cycling will be on our roads, including Tom Pidcock (Olympic Mountain Bike gold medallist and current Cross Country World Champion), Wout van Aert (nine-times stage winner at the Tour de France and winner of the Tour of Britain in 2021) and last year’s winner Gonzalo Serrano.

The race so far has been dominated by opportunities for bunch sprinters such as Olav Kooij of Team Jumbo-Visma and Bora-Hansgrohe’s Sam Bennett but Saturday’s stage in Gloucestershire has a few sharp peaks which could test the contenders for the overall General Classification prize.

However, the challenging final stage ending with a double ascent of Caerphilly Mountain followed by a dash to the finish line in the shadow of Caerphilly Castle is likely to prove decisive in who takes this year’s title.

The stage begins in picturesque Margam Park and the peloton will snake their way north towards the first two categorised climbs of the day, with gradients of up to 9%, where points can be collected in the King of the Mountains competition.

A breakaway will form at some point along the route and if they have not been caught by the time the rest of the peloton reaches Caerphilly it will almost certainly happen on the first short, but sharp, ascent of Caerphilly Mountain as the main contenders slog it out for the crown.

The race enters Caerphilly borough on the A472 into Ystrad Mynach where it will turn south on Caerphilly Road and head through Llanbradach.

Police motorcyclists will provide a rolling roadblock to make sure roads are closed and re-opened at the appropriate times. As they enter Caerphilly town via Pontygwindy Road, the riders will be travelling at speed with no time to enjoy the beautiful castle and its famous leaning tower.

The climb commences on Cardiff Road and offers a punishing 10.1% challenge for 1.3km. A swift descent along Watford Road, turning right onto Nantgarw Road before the first circuit is completed with a sharp right turn back onto Castle Street, through the finish line for the penultimate time. Once more around the loop and the race will be completed.

Will there be a strong individual manage a solo effort to put some distance between himself and his rivals? Will Pidcock, van Aert and others trade blows on the steep slopes of Caerphilly Mountain and be forced to sprint it out at the line? With warm, sunny weather predicted, thousands are expected to line the streets to find out.

How to enjoy the race and stay safe

Elite level sport on your doorstep for free is an exciting privilege but there are dangers to be aware of when 150 riders are passing at 40mph or more.

With roads closed to ordinary traffic stay aware as the race brings with it a variety of vehicles including motorbikes and support cars. Make sure children are in a safe position.

It might be tempting to bring your dog along with you to the roadside but the unfamiliar circumstances of cheering crowds and bunches of cyclists whizzing by can cause stress to animals. If you must bring your dog, make sure it is securely held on a lead.

Often spectators are keen to reach out an arm to take a photo or video on a phone as the riders approach, however, there are many examples where this has ended badly for both the cyclists and fans and the phone does not come off well in that situation.

Uphill sections are often the best viewing locations as the riders are slowed down by the gradient.

Caerphilly Mountain itself will be packed with fans in a party mood and even some in fancy dress.
After the final feed zone in Llanbradach there is a 200m long “green zone” where riders discard their unwanted bidons (water bottles) and other rubbish, so souvenir hunters might be in for a treat but take care as one spectator has already been struck in the face by a flying bottle in this year’s race.

Every stage of The Tour of Britain has been broadcast live on ITV4, and the final stage will also be televised.