FORMER British road race champion Jess Roberts will be returning to her home ground this week when she races through Carmarthenshire for the eighth edition of Britain’s leading women’s stage race, the Women’s Tour.
Jess will be joining some of the world’s most talented riders during stage five of the race, which will run from Pembrey Country Park to the Black Mountain.
This will be the Carmarthen girl’s debut in the six-day race when she will be riding for Team Coop – Hitec Products.
"The Women’s Tour is one of the races I’ve always really wanted to do,” said the 2018 British Champion.
“I was meant to do it in 2020, but obviously couldn’t because of the pandemic and then last year I wasn’t able to because of injury, so I’m really excited to be on the start line this year with COOP - Hitec Products.
“I’m particularly excited for stage five, which goes from Pembrey and finishes up the Black Mountain.
"The whole route goes along my home training roads, so it will be really special to race on them, and my family will be able to watch too. It'll definitely be a tough stage, that’s for sure!”
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Jess will be joining former champions Kasia Niewiadoma and Coryn Labecki, among the favourites for this year’s title, and past stage winners Lorena Wiebes, Christine Majerus and Chloe Hosking.
The Women’s Tour departs on Monday, June 6 with stage five taking place on Friday, June 10 starting at 10.45am at Pembrey Country Park.
The riders will pass through Carway, Pontyates, Pontyberem, Nantgaredig, and Llangadog, finishing on the Black Mountain from around 13.45 onwards, with all riders expected to finish by around 2.30pm.
A rolling road closure will take place along the 65-mile route from 10.30am until approximately 14.30pm.
Roads will be re-opened once the cyclists have passed through.
A full road closure will be in place over the Black Mountain from 5am-5pm. Spectators are being urged to plan their journey in advance as the roads are likely to be busy.
For full race details and timings, spectator information, road closures, parking and bus service, and more visit newsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales
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