ABERYSTWYTH professional cyclist Gruff Lewis is calling for Wales to host a stage of the Tour de France.

On the eve of the world’s most famous bicycle race, Talybont cyclist Gruff, who rides for Madison Genesis, has said that Wales deserves to hold a stage of the Tour de France in the future.

Gruff will again be part of S4C’s Seiclo: Le Tour de France team as they follow all 3,519km of the race, with live coverage and highlights of each stage.

“Having a stage of the Tour in Wales would be fantastic,” said Gruff, in response to the recent news that the Welsh Government hopes to attract the event to Wales.

“The terrain is great here — with plenty of challenging mountains — and everyone who does the Tour of Britain says Caerphilly Mountain is a great course.

“The Tour de France has been in Yorkshire, the Giro D’Italia has visited Ireland and so many quality cyclists have come from Wales, so why not?”

Leading the Seiclo presentation team again this year is Rhodri Gomer, while Llinos Lee will be bringing us the latest news from the peloton.

The ap Gwynedd brothers, Rheinallt and Peredur, both cycling enthusiasts, will be commentating alongside Wyn Gruffydd, John Hardy and Gareth Rhys Owen.

Gruff believes it will be an exciting event this year as reigning champion Chris Froome goes for a fourth Tour de France.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online now