Tour of Britain comes to Newport on 2 September
Posted on Monday 20th August 2018
Newport will host the finish of the first stage of the prestigious Tour of Britain on the afternoon of Sunday 2 September.
Professional riders from across the world, including Tour de France victor Geraint Thomas and other well-known names, are taking part in the televised race which starts in Carmarthen and ends a week later in London.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "This is the highest profile professional cycling event in the UK so this is a great coup for the city. We are doing what we can to minimise the disruption and rolling road closures will ensure that they can be reopened as quickly as possible as the race passes through.
"I hope people will support this important event in the sporting calendar and give a warm welcome to the riders and visitors while they enjoy this spectacle in our city."
After leaving Usk, the race will arrive in Caerleon, passing through Usk Road, Mill Street, Castle Street, Caerleon Bridge and New Road, before travelling up Belmont Hill.
Riders will then go down Royal Oak Hill, turn right onto Chepstow Road, onto Somerton Road and Nash Road and then the SDR before finishing in Usk Way in the city centre.
For most of the route in Newport, the roads will reopen as soon as the riders have safely passed through. However, they will be clearways so all vehicles have to be moved by 12pm and can return after 4pm.
To assist residents and businesses in Mill Street and Castle Street in Caerleon, alternative parking will be available in Charles Williams Church in Wales School, High Street. For people on the route in Chepstow Road, Somerton Road and Nash Road, car parking will be made available in Lliswerry Primary School.
Usk Way will be fully closed from the Harlequin roundabout to the junction at East Dock Road, from 4am-9pm.
Although the front riders are not expected to arrive at the finish line until mid-afternoon, there will be activities in the city centre during the late morning and afternoon to keep spectators entertained.
Newport Live is organising fun and sporting sessions in Usk Way from 11.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 2.15pm while British Cycling will use the area between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
British Transport Police will be carrying out security bike marking and promoting cycle crime prevention.
Bike racks will be installed in the area near the Wave for those who would like to cycle into the city centre.
Park Square multi-storey car park will be open from 7am to 7pm. Kingsway car park will also be open, although access to and from will be via Cardiff Road instead of Usk Way, and drivers can also use the NCP car park off the Old Green Crossing.
Friars Walk car park will be closed but the shops and restaurants will be open.
For more information, including estimated race times and road closure details, visit www.newport.gov.uk/events