Shropshire Star

Excitement as Women's Cycle Tour races along Shropshire border

Elite cyclists raced along the Shropshire border on day six of the AJ Bell Women's Tour 2022.

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Spectators turned out to cheer them on through Chirk and villages along the way from Wrexham to Welshpool.

The cyclists had to contend with rain and wet roads making some of the steep descents on the 89 mile stage even more tricky that had been expected.

The pack sprints through Chirk
The cyclists had to contend with rain and wet roads making some of the steep descents on the 89 mile stage even more tricky that had been expected.
The peloton passes Lake Vyrnwy during stage four of The Women's Tour from Wrexham to Welshpool

Australian Grace Brown (FDJ-Nouvelle Aquitaine-Futuroscope) sprinted to victory in Welshpool holding ooff Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo) to win what was recognised as the toughest stage in the competition.

The trio left the group of 10 riders that had broken away on the climbs to fight it out between them in the final four miles.

In Chirk, leisure cyclists braved the rain to ride to see the pack go through the town.

Sports enthusiasts and residents also made their way to the town centre.

From left, Peter Williams, Phil (crr)Moore, Stephen Moore and Lynn Williams
Spectators in Chirk taking shelter from the rain

And, as police enforced the rolling road closure along the main street staff in shops and businesses stepped outside to cheer the riders and watch the spectacle.

Miles and Helen Davies travelled the short distance from Weston Rhyn to help line the route.

"We love watching the Tour de France on television and Miles enjoys cycling on the local lanes himself," Helen said.

Stage winner and yellow jersey holder for race leader Grace Brown of team FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope
Breast Cancer Now Points Jersey holder Lorena Wiebes of Team DSM on the podium

"It was amazing to watch it all go through - the safety cars and the police as well as the riders."

Peter and Lynn Williams were used to watching their son, Paul, take part in triathlons, which include a bike section, before he moved to live in Australia. Peter still rides and said he was impressed with the speed of the competitors.

"The cyclists all went through in about 15 seconds, two riders were in front, then one on her own then the rest of the pack."

Stephen and Phil Moore also enjoyed the spectacle.

"Woosh and it was gone," Phil said.

"It was great to see it coming through Chirk."

The leader heading through Chirk

The event brought a mid week boost for shops and cafes.

Dave Ward, from Jamie Ward Butchers, said the staff stopped work and went outside to cheer on the cyclists on their way.

Claire Roberts only opened Cake Kitchen a week ago and the tour meant a busy morning with a queue building up waiting for tables.

"People came into Chirk to see the event but then came and had a coffee with us which was lovely," she said.

Support cars behind the riders

From Chirk, the riders turned a sharp ride towards Glyn Ceiriog and then left crossing into Shropshire to bike through Selattyn, Rhydycroesau and Llansilin.

Back into Wales the tour was visiting Llangedwyn, Penybont Fawr and the tough climb at Hirnant before Llanwddyn and a loop of Lake Vyrnwy.

It was descending to Dolanog and through Castle Caereinion, Aberriw, Garthmyl and Forden before the finish in Severn Street, Welshpool between 2.30-3.30pm.

The peloton passes Lake Vyrnwy

Councillor Alison Davies, the Mayor of Welshpool, said: “This an exciting boost for the town. It was a great opportunity for the people of Welshpool to welcome International and National athletes and many visitors to the town.

"It is exciting for us to be given the opportunity to be involved in this national event and a welcome boost for the Welshpool economy following two very difficult years. "

This year's event features all 14 of the top division UCI Women’s World Teams with 18 teams and 108 riders competing in the race, marking the biggest field in its eight-year history.

It ends in Oxford on Saturday.