Rhayader shows why it is the Outdoors Capital of Wales as Tour of Britain comes to town

Rhayader reinforced its reputation as the Outdoors Capital of Wales as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women raced through the town and the spectacular Elan Valley, forming the centrepiece of a weekend that celebrated cycling in all its forms.

The streets of Rhayader were lined with residents, visitors and cycling fans as some of the world’s leading female riders passed through the town twice, heading out into the Elan Valley before returning through Rhayader as the race continued across Mid Wales.

But the professional tour was only part of the story.

Alongside the Tour of Britain, Pump Track Wales hosted a Welsh Cycling event at Rhayader’s pump track, while Rhayader Riders organised a ride out into the Elan Valley, creating a day where cycling could be seen at every level, from grassroots participation and families through to elite international competition.

It was a fitting showcase for a town increasingly positioning itself as one of Wales’ leading destinations for two wheels.

Rhayader is home to the largest split pump track in Europe, while just outside the town the Elan Valley offers an extensive network of cycling opportunities, including fantastic single track riding amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in Wales.

The area also has a growing range of accommodation, cafés, pubs, restaurants and other businesses accustomed to welcoming cyclists, providing the facilities needed to make Rhayader an ideal base for everything from a weekend on two wheels to major cycling events.

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Chair of the Rhayader Tourism Forum, said: “What a great atmosphere in town. You could see people lining the streets to support the riders, and if you check out the highlights, just listen to the commentary about how spectacular this place is.

“What was particularly special was that the Tour of Britain wasn’t happening in isolation. We had a Welsh Cycling event taking place at Pump Track Wales and Rhayader Riders heading out for a ride into the Elan Valley. It really demonstrated what we mean when we call Rhayader the Outdoors Capital of Wales. This is a place for two wheels, whether you’re an international professional, a mountain biker, a road cyclist or a youngster getting started on the pump track.

“We have the biggest split pump track in Europe, brilliant single tracks in the Elan Valley, incredible road cycling and accommodation and eateries that are geared up to welcoming cyclists. The Tour gave us an opportunity to showcase all of that to a much wider audience.”

Following the success of the Tour of Britain Women, Rhayader Tourism Forum is already looking ahead to another huge opportunity for Mid Wales – the Tour de France Grand Départ.

Rhayader’s central location provides an opportunity for cycling supporters to stay in the area while travelling to watch the different stages, without the town itself being affected by Tour-related road closures.

Cllr Thomas added: “We are now gearing up for the Tour Grand Départ because we have a perfect location here in the Outdoors Capital of Wales. We won’t have the road closures associated with the race itself, but we are an easy hop to all of the stages.

“That gives visitors the chance to stay somewhere surrounded by world-class cycling and outdoor experiences while being ideally placed to follow the Tour.

“We look forward to welcoming people not only for that weekend, but hopefully the teams themselves as they train and prepare in the build-up to the event. With the roads, climbs, facilities and landscapes we have on our doorstep, the Elan Valley and Rhayader would make a fantastic training base.”

The weekend provided another example of how major sporting events can support the wider visitor economy, bringing people into the town and giving local accommodation providers, cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops and attractions an opportunity to benefit.

For Rhayader, the ambition is to build on that exposure and establish the town and Elan Valley as a destination where cycling is not simply an occasional event, but part of the area’s identity.

For two wheels, Rhayader really is the Outdoors Capital of Wales.