Carmarthenshire has been named the official host of one of the UK's major cycling events - The Women's Tour of Britain.

The televised road race attracts stome of the world's top cyclists and this year will see them race through the picturesque but challenging landscape of the Black Mountain on the western side of the Brecon Beacons National Park to the finishing line near Llangadog.

Organisers say the event is the second hill-top finish in Women’s Tour history and the toughest route, measuring 7.2 kilometres in length, with the Black Mountain averaging a gradient of 5.3% and ramping up to 21% in places.

The route was previously tackled during the final stage of the 2019 race when British rider Hannah Barnes (Uno-X Pro Cycling Team) climbed it the fastest in a time of 20:5.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said the council is committed to supporting more people to get fit and active through cycling, whilst boosting the local cycling tourism economy.

 “To be chosen as a host of the women’s tour once again goes to show that we remain as the top location for cycling in Wales", he said.

"Not only are we able to showcase high profile events such as this but with the inspiring views of our countryside, delicious pit stops and cycle friendly places to stay, the county is fast becoming the perfect place for ‘bikeations’ or cycling holidays.

"We look forward to welcoming the Women’s Tour of Britain once again and hope it inspires our community to get on their bikes.”

This year’s Women’s Tour departs on Monday, June 6, and coincides with the final day of a four-day Bank Holiday weekend in the UK to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

The race will culminate with a prestigious finale six days later on Saturday, June 11.

Welsh Cycling’s Chief Executive Anne Adams-King said: “It’s great to have the Women’s Tour of Britain heading to Wales again in 2022.

"High profile events can inspire people to take up cycling for fun and competition and we hope it will further encourage more women and girls to get involved – we’ll look forward to seeing everyone on the roadside come June.”

Further details of stage five, including the full race route, timings and ŠKODA Queen of the Mountains locations, will be unveiled in due course.