The SD Sealants Junior Tour of Wales expands to a four day, five stage road cycling race in South Wales between 25– 28 August 2017. Opening with a time trial on Friday evening, and coming to a close with the ascent of the Tumble on Monday 28 August.
The finale of the British Cycling Junior Road Series, the SD Sealants Junior Tour of Wales attracts the best junior bike riders from across the UK, and is also open to international teams.
Richard Hopkins, event organiser said: “The Junior Tour has always been built around the riders. The extra day of competition is a big step, and recognition that the juniors are getting stronger year on year. Moving the opening time trial from Saturday morning to the Friday evening will hopefully give riders better race and rest conditions. Saturday will be devoted entirely to the stage two road race, which will be tougher than in previous years. It’s going to be fantastic!”
Now in its 37th year, the race has kick-started the careers of a legion of professional riders, including World, Commonwealth and Olympic Champion Geraint Thomas MBE, World Champion Mark Cavendish and Team Sky’s Olympic Champion Owain Doull.
The event’s expansion is made possible by the support of title sponsor SD Sealants, who joined the race just prior to the 2016 edition.
Managing Director Nick Jones said: “SD Sealants is proud to continue its support of the Junior Tour of Wales. The event showcases the best talent British cycling has to offer and we are thrilled to be involved in the tour again this year.
“Extending the competition for another day is going to really add to the event, challenging the cyclists further and demonstrating what a top class race the Junior Tour is. We can’t wait for it to start.”
Anne Adams-King, chief executive officer, Welsh Cycling said: “The Junior Tour of Wales is an established event on the calendar, which explores the beautiful landscapes and challenging roads of South Wales. It’s great to see the event develop and progress with the support of their volunteers and SD Sealants. I look forward to watching again this summer.”
Team Wiggins rider Scott Davies won the Junior Tour in 2013, and became the first rider to win the British National Under 23 Time Trial Championship back to back three times, and represented Wales at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games:
Scott said: “This is brilliant news, thanks to the support of the race volunteers and SD Sealants. It is really nice to see the race go from strength to strength. The addition of the extra day adds to the event, making it more prestigious and tougher. Whoever wins is going to take a lot of confidence from it.”
The race is open to riders born in 1999 and 2000, with entries opening on Wednesday 1 March. Previous editions have attracted riders form the USA and Uzbekistan, with significant international interest already, this year’s field is likely to be the strongest yet.
Follow @JuniorTourWales on Twitter for more race updates.
