Junior Tour of Wales Cycle Race
Links to detailed results of the weekends racing are featured at the bottom of this page.
Race Summary:
Scotland’s David Smith who hails from John O’Groats scored a dramatic victory in the Dudley’s Junior Tour of Wales over the 3 days of the Bank Holiday based in Brynmawr.
Jumping away in the early miles of the fifth and final stage – a 60 mile circuit of the Brecon Beacons – Smith and three breakaway companions secured enough time gain to put them right to the head of the overall classification. Smith moving up from 9th , with a near two minute deficit, to first with a winning margin of just 25 seconds over Ryan Bonser North West England.
Completing the podium placings was Ireland’s Mark Cassidy a further 29 seconds in arrears putting a smile on the faces of the Irish as they drove off immediately to catch the 4.00 ferry at Fishguard..
Highlight of the weekend was provided by stage 4 - the first ever race on the newly completed 3km. Circuit at Bryn Bach Country Park Tredegar. Race Officials , riders , and spectators were unanimous in giving praise to this eagerly awaited development backed by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. After cutting the ribbon to officially open the new venue, the first cycling dedicated racing circuit in Wales, the Mayor Councillor Paul Hopkins was treated to a four lap ride in the lead car which took his breath away just trying to keep up with the riders on the downhill sections at around 45 mph.
On the road . the 1st stage was won by Daniel Martin (Team South West) taking just 13 minutes to cover the 10km. from Brynmawr to the Top of the Tumble(Keepers) above Blaenavon. Peter Williams (North West) a 1st year junior (16) battled it out with Martin over the first four stages with only seconds between them until Smith & co took control over the finishing miles.
Bravest ride of the weekend of the 70 competitors came from Mike Cripps (Wales) who battled through to finish after a 3rd stage crash which saw him requiring 7 stitches in his leg.
Best Welsh rider was Rob Partridge at 13th position after working like a trojan on a number of stages receiving the memorial shield .
The Irwin Wright Dentistry (Newport) team competition was dominated by Scotland taking 4 stages and the overall.
David Smith proved what a strong rider he is by also taking the Blaenau Gwent Council King of the Mountains prize while Ryan Bonser clinched the Racehorse Inn Points competition
Tim Wallis was awarded a prize of 50 Euros as the most aggressive rider of the event presented by the Dutch Team Manager Theo Hartogs who actually had his son and daughter riding the Tour
The mayor made a special award to mark the friendship between Wales and Holland to a very emotional Theo .
Stage 1. Prologue. Starts 10am Saturday 23rd August. 6 miles of very hilly time trial.
Stage 2. Road Race. Starts 3pm Saturday 23rd August. 57 miles of road racing.
Stage 3. Road Race. Starts 10am Sunday 24th August. 42 miles of road racing.
Stage 4. Circuit Race. Starts 4pm Sunday 24th August. 12 laps of 2 mile circuit.
Stage 5. Road Race. Starts 10am Monday 25th August. 62 miles of road racing.
The event is Sponsored by Dudleys Shopfitters of Risca, Blaenau Gwent County