No spectators will be allowed to watch the start of a prestigious cycle race on its first ever visit to Ceredigion, the council has announced.

On Wednesday, 8 September Aberaeron will be the host venue for the start of the fourth stage of the much anticipated Tour of Britain.

The route will take cyclists from Aberaeron up to Aberystwyth and then to Borth before moving on to Barmouth.

The council said the race is “an opportunity to showcase the beautiful scenery Ceredigion has to offer; from our rolling hills to our stunning coastline”.

But council officers have said the start of the stage will be closed off to spectators amid coronavirus fears.

“Ceredigion County Council, in collaboration with the Tour of Britain organisers, are maintaining public safety and Aberaeron will be a closed stage start; spectators will not be allowed at the start of the fourth stage location,” a spokesperson said. “Nevertheless, spectators can continue to support the event along the route while being mindful of social distancing and practice road safety as a pedestrian, cyclist and fan.

“Fans can also enjoy watching the event from the comfort of their own home as it will be televised.”

Council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome the Tour of Britain to Ceredigion this year. As the Tour travels up the wonderful coastline from Aberaeron towards the north of the county, people will be able to experience the breathtaking scenery through the extensive coverage of the race on ITV4.

“Active travel and improving our health and wellbeing is a key priority for us here in Ceredigion; this may be the event for you that will spark a new interest in cycling.

“If so, Ceredigion is ready with our abundance of trails and tracks for you to explore.”

The Cambrian News has previously reported how rolling road closures will be needed across the county on Wednesday between 10am and 1pm to allow for the stage to take place.

Roads affected will be the A487 Aberaeron to Aberystwyth; Alexander Road and Terrace Road in Aberystwyth; the A487 North Parade to Rhydypennau, B4353 to Borth, Ynyslas, Llancynfelin and Tre’r-ddôl; and the A487 north from Tre’r-ddôl to the county boundary with Powys.

The 2021 race has been rescheduled from last year due to the pandemic. Organisers SweetSpot said it is working closely with the Welsh Government and local authorities along the route in Wales to ensure that the event can take place safely.

The 215km route of stage four will take the race to parts of mid Wales for the first time in modern Tour history, including Aberystwyth and Borth.

Information guides and maps for the race’s visit to Ceredigion are available on the Tour of Britain website at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-four. The Tour of Britain Covid-19 measures can be found online at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/covid­-update