DOLGELLAU is gearing up for up to 5,000 spectators as some of the world’s best female cyclists descend on the town this weekend.

On Sunday, the final stage of the prestigious OVO Energy Women’s Tour, Britain’s most prestigious professional women’s cycle race, will get underway in Dolgellau, travelling up through Barmouth, Harlech and Nant Gwynant, before finishing in Colwyn Bay.

The fifth edition of the tour will cover new ground for its final stage as it visits Wales for the first time.

During the 122 kilometre stage, spectators will be able to see Welsh stars Dani Rowe and Manon Lloyd as they take on the current World, European and Commonwealth Road Race champions – Chantal Blaak, Marianne Vos and Chloe Hosking.

Dolgellau Town Council is cautiously optimistic about the event, having spent several hundreds of pounds placing dozens of ‘Croeso Dolgellau’ flags up around town, and expect 5,000 visitors to be on the streets this weekend.

Read the full story in today’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News