WORLD class cyclists will be battling it out amongst some of the UK’s finest scenery as an international bike race comes to Gwynedd.

The OVO Energy Women’s Tour will visit Wales for the first time as the final stage of the UCI Women’s WorldTour event starts in Dolgellau on Sunday, 17 June.

In recent years, north Wales has hosted the men’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain on four occasions, but this year will mark the first time that the world’s top female riders have had the chance to race in the area.

The race was awarded UCI Women’s WorldTour status in 2016, meaning that it is part of the top-level series of international races. All of the top women’s teams will therefore take part.

Minister for culture, tourism and sport Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, who is also AM for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to support this race for the first time this year.

“As Britain’s only international-level stage race for women, the event attracts the best female riders in the world – and is an excellent event to raise the profile of the sport and encourage participation.

“The route will also be showcase to Wales’ landscapes and will also highlight some of our epic shores which we’re celebrating during the Year of the Sea in 2018.”

The five-day race will conclude with a tough 122km stage from Dolgellau to Colwyn Bay, through the heart of Snowdonia National Park.

As Wales celebrates the Year of the Sea in 2018, the first part of the stage will track the beautiful Welsh coastline of Tremadog Bay, through Barmouth and Harlech, before heading inland to tackle several climbs as the route crosses Snowdonia, via Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed to finish on the north Wales coast at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay.

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