Tour de Gwent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tour de Gwent |
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Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre, near the Race start
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| Date | March |
| Location | Caerleon, Wales Abergavenny, Wales Wye Valley |
| Event type | Road National Cycle Route 88 |
| Distance | 6 route lengths: 93 miles (full length) 20 miles (shortest) 3 miles (kids) |
| Primary sponsor | Whitehead |
| Established | 2015 |
| Organizer | St Davids Hospice Care |
The Tour de Gwent (which means Taith o Went in Welsh) is a super fun cycling event that happens every year. It has six different routes for cyclists of all ages and skills! The ride starts in Caerleon, a town with a cool Roman history. From there, it winds through beautiful parts of Newport and Monmouthshire in Wales. This exciting event usually takes place in April. It was first started in 2015 by a charity called St Davids Hospice Care. They organize the event to help people. A company called Whitehead helps sponsor the event.
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About the Tour de Gwent
The Tour de Gwent usually happens around April 14th each year. There are many different routes you can choose from. These routes range from a short 3 miles, perfect for younger riders, to a challenging 93 miles for experienced cyclists. Other options include 20, 30, 52, and 78 miles. In 2019, the event started at and was supported by Caerleon Comprehensive School.
Exploring the Scenic Routes
The cycling routes are very beautiful. They offer amazing views of the Welsh countryside. The longest route, 93 miles, begins at an ancient Roman fortress. This place is called Isca Augusta, and it's now known as Caerleon. This fortress was built way back in 74 AD!
As you cycle, you'll pass some incredible historical sites. You can see the best-preserved amphitheatre in the UK. You'll also go by the Roman baths at the Caerleon Roman Baths Museum. And don't forget the National Roman Legion Museum! It's like cycling through history.
The Cycling Adventure
The Tour de Gwent journey starts in Caerleon. From there, cyclists head towards Llandegfedd Reservoir, a big lake. Then they pass through the towns of Usk and Abergavenny. The route continues to Monmouth and into the stunning Wye Valley. This area includes the famous Tintern Abbey.
After that, riders go through Llantrisant. Finally, they return to Caerleon for the finish line! The full 93-mile route starts early, at 7:30 AM. It includes some big hills, with over 7,352 feet of climbing. One famous climb is at Lydart.
Fun at the Finish Line
After a great ride, there's a fun celebration at the finish village. A local brewery from Newport, called Tiny Rebel, helps out every year. They offer a mobile bar and a free drink to all the cyclists. Other local businesses also provide tasty food and drinks.
You can also enjoy live music at a bandstand. It's a great way to relax and celebrate finishing the ride. Many cyclists from the wider region now join the Tour de Gwent. This is because another big cycling event, Velothon Wales, stopped after 2018. Even large cycling teams, like UCY Cycling Club, have joined the race.
