The Junior Tour of Wales is pleased to announce that the King of the Mountains competition at the 2016 Junior Tour of Wales will be sponsored by Zappi Clothing.

The Junior Tour is renowned for tough terrain, and famous climbs including a new addition for 2016 includes the Rhigos in Rhondda Cynon Taff, as well as the Tumble. There will be a deserved winner of the King of the Mountains jersey after five stages of racing. The Junior Tour of Wales takes places 27-29 August 2016, and is the culmination of the British Cycling Junior Road Series.

Race Organiser Richard Hopkins said:

"We're delighted to welcome Zappi Clothing to the Junior Tour of Wales. Flavio's racing history is an inspirational one, but much more than that, via the Under 23 Racing Team he has given a number of talented Junior Tour graduates vital international experience and guidance in the formative years of their senior careers. It's a really special thing that our King of the Mountain jersey is promoting a company whose success will, in turn, help some of this year's riders make their next steps in the sport.

With a hyper-competitive field, including Zappis' own junior squad all coming to peak form at just the right moment, and a lot more climbing in this year's edition of the race, the King of the Mountains competition really is going to be a battle. We can't wait to see how it shapes up."

Flavio Zappi, owner of Zappi’s Clothing added:

"The Junior Tour of Wales is one of the few British junior races that compares with the classic climbing races of Continental Europe. The professional teams are watching this one for future talent, and so am I. It’s a special opportunity for Zappi Clothing to sponsor the KoM competition. The best of luck to all these boys who look forward to racing careers with passion and optimism!"

Run by Italian former pro, and Giro d'Italia Maglia Verde wearer Flavio Zappi, the company is building a name and reputation as a manufacturer of bespoke technical cycling kit. Designed for performance and adventure cycling with a distinctly Italian inspiration, and made exclusively in Italy. More than that, profits from are channelled back to support the Zappi Racing Team - composed primarily of British Under 23 riders taking their first steps into European racing.

Follow the Junior Tour of Wales as it rides through the South Wales valleys 27 – 29 August 2016.