The Tour of Britain cycle race is set to speed through Caerphilly today.
Stage five of the race will see 114 cyclists from 19 teams race 177 kilometres from Machynlleth to Caerphilly with two ascents of Caerphilly Mountain before the final finish line.
The tour is expected to enter the county borough between 2.20pm – 3pm with its arrival in Deri and will then make the descent to Caerphilly passing Bargoed (2.24pm – 3.06pm) and then through Glan Y Nant and Tir-y-Berth (2.28pm – 2.51pm) before embarking on the Yodel Sprint through Ystrad Mynach (2.34pm – 3.19pm) and then onto Llanbradach (2.36pm – 3.21pm).
Riders will enter Caerphilly at Pontygwindy Road (2.41pm – 3.27pm) making their ascent against the flow of traffic up Cardiff Road, embarking on the first testing ‘Skoda King of the Mountains’ climb up Caerphilly Mountain (2.43pm – 3.30pm).
The 114 professional riders, which include Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish will then descend at speed down the rear of the mountain leading them onto Watford Road (2.47pm – 3.34pm) where they will be looking to put pace between themselves and the competition as they give spectators at the finish line a sneak peak soaring through Nantgarw Road (2.50pm – 3.37pm).
Riders will then begin the incline up Castle Street (2.53pm – 3.41pm) and tackle the final climb of Caerphilly Mountain (2.53pm – 3.41pm).
Upon passing the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar (2.56pm – 3.45pm), riders will plummet down Watford Road at almighty speeds setting them up for a dramatic 3 mile finish, taking them around the Penrhos roundabout (2.59pm – 3.49pm), past Castle Park roundabout (3pm – 3.50pm) and onto Nantgarw Road (3.01pm – 3.51pm) for the final 1km sprint to the finish on Crescent Road, estimated to be between 3.02pm – 3.53pm.
Road closures
The majority of roads along the route through the County Borough of Caerphilly will be affected sometime between 1pm and 4pm as part of a rolling road closure that will form in order to facilitate the Tour of Britain. Please note that closure and re-opening times will depend upon the speed of the race from the start of the stage in Machynlleth.
Caerphilly Mountain: It is anticipated that roads leading onto Caerphilly Mountain will be closed at approximately 2.30pm. Please note the closure will affect all routes to the mountain including Thornhill and thus drivers are advised to plan alternative routes and allow plenty of time for travel due to potential delays and congestion caused by the road closures.
Nantgarw Road (Caerphilly Town): This road will be closed between 1pm and 5pm to assist with the safe set up of the advance finish line infrastructure.
Crescent Road (Caerphilly Town): This road will be closed between 5am and 7pm for the safe set up and de-rig of the finish line.
For further information on road closures please contact the council’s Highways Department on 01443 866511.
Parking
Visitors looking for a place to park can use the Twyn Car Park, Caerphilly and Aber Halt train stations. Please note the Aber Halt Railway Station Car Park will be inaccessible after 1pm. The Crescent Road Car Park will be inaccessible between 5am and 6pm.
Public transport
If you are hoping to travel by bus or coach within the county borough after 1pm, public transport may be affected, though train services serving the Cardiff and Rhymney Valley Line including Caerphilly and Aber Halt will not be affected. More information can be found at www.traveline-cymru.info