Tour of Britain Cycling Race Comes to Torfaen

This September, Torfaen will play host to one of the most exciting sporting events in the UK as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men arrives in South Wales for its spectacular finale.

On Saturday 6 September 2025, the world’s best cyclists will line up in Pontypool for the start of Stage Five, marking the first time the prestigious race has ever visited the town. From there, the riders will set out on a challenging route through Monmouthshire before tackling the legendary climb of The Tumble, near Abergavenny – not once, but twice. Averaging a punishing 8.2% gradient over five kilometres, The Tumble is expected to be a decisive moment in the race.

The following day, Sunday 7 September, the grand finale begins from the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in Newport, before winding its way across South Wales. The final stage will pass iconic cycling landmarks including the Maindy Velodrome in Cardiff – home club of Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas – before finishing in the heart of the Welsh capital.

This year’s race carries added significance as it is anticipated to be the final professional appearance of Geraint Thomas, one of Wales’ greatest ever athletes.

For fans, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cheer him on as he brings the curtain down on an illustrious career.

Race timings

START Pontypool Park: 11:30am
The Tumble (first passage): 1:32pm
Blaenavon: 1:35pm
Cwmavon: 1:39pm
The Tumble (second passage): 2:40pm
Abersychan: 1:42pm
Pontypool: 1:49pm

How to get there

Stage 5 will start from outside Pontypool Active Living Centre, located in Pontypool Park which is just a short walk from Pontypool town centre.

Places to Stay

The Parkway Hotel & Spa

Address: Cwmbran Drive, Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 3UW
Telephone: 01633 871199
Website: www.parkwayhotelandspa.com

The Lion Hotel

Address: 41 Broad St, Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9NH
Telephone: 01495 792516
Website: www.thelionhotelblaenavon.co.uk

The Little Crown Inn

Address: Elled Road, Wainfelin, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 6DR
Telephone: 01495 763148
Website: www.thelittlecrown.co.uk

Best Western Metro Hotel

Address: Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 0XB
Telephone: 01495 750552
Website: www.bestwestern.co.uk

Premier Inn Pontypool

Address: Tyr’Felin, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0RH
Telephone: 0333 321 1396
Website: www.premierinn.com

Premier Inn Cwmbran

Address: Avondale Road, Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 1DE
Telephone: 0333 777 4636
Website: www.premierinn.com

Car Parks

Pontypool

Riverside Multi Storey Car Park – Forge Lane, Pontypool
(accessed from Riverside Pontypool)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 7:00am – 9:15pm and Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Spaces: Long stay and short stay (4 hours) spaces – 18 Disabled spaces
Restrictions: 4 hour parking on specified floors

Civic Centre Multi Storey Car Park
(Level 1, intermediate and level 2) (accessed from Glantorfaen Road, Pontypool)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 145 short stay spaces (4 hours)
Restrictions: 4 hour parking (no return within 4 hours)

Rosemary Lane Car Park – NP4 6JR
(accessed from Park Road Pontypool)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 22 short stay spaces (2 hours) – 1 Disabled space
Restrictions: 2 hour parking in all marked bays (no return within 2 hours)

Clarence Corner Car Park
(accessed from Trosnant Street, Pontypool)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 46 Long stay – 8 short stay (4 hour) spaces – 2 Disabled Spaces

Trosnant Street Upper Car Park
(accessed from Trosnant Street, Pontypool)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 17 long stay spaces – 1 Disabled space

Trosnant Street Lower Car Park
(accessed from Trosnant Street, Pontypool)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 19 long stay spaces

Park Terrace Car Park
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (7am – 7pm)
Spaces: 30 long stay spaces

Other shopper car parks
These car parking facilities are privately operated and charging may apply.

Tesco Store Pontypool

Blaenavon

James Street Upper
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 34 long stay spaces
Charges: Free

James Street Lower
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 20 long stay spaces
Charges: Free

Lion Street
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 34 long stay spaces
Charges: Free

Broad Street
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 39 long stay spaces
Charges: Free

Prince Street
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
Spaces: 35 long stay spaces
Charges: Free

Road Closures

A short rolling road closure will be in effect from Pontymoile Park Gates to Mamhilad, Usk Road, between 11:30am and 11:45am, allowing riders to safely depart Pontypool Park and begin the race towards Monmouthshire.

Temporary road closure:
A full road closure will be implemented from the Blaenavon, B4246 Abergavenny Road, to Pontypool, Usk Road, between 1:30pm and 2:30pm to accommodate the race’s return through Torfaen. This means access onto the main race route from any side roads will be restricted during this time.

Riders are expected to pass through this section in less than 30 minutes, with roads reopening promptly once the peloton has cleared.

Finish line closure:
A full road closure will be in place from Monmouth, School Lane, Govilon, to Garn Road junction in Blaenavon between 6:30am and 6:30pm to facilitate the final stage of the race.

Spectator Safety Information

For your safety and to assist your enjoyment please:

Remember the races progresses at a fast pace, please don’t stand in the road even to get a photograph;
Don’t cross the road once the lead car has passed; the race will be coming at speed;
Arrive early, the race can go quicker or slower than planned. If you can’t get to a start or finish location, check out other key climbs or points of interest on route.
Plan your journey in advance some bus services may be suspended or delayed so check with travel operators;
Don’t park on the roadside on the racecourse, find a safe off-road position;
Listen to the Marshalls, their advice is your safety;
Support local businesses

And lastly watch the race, wave those flags! Smile: you may be on TV and lets show the UK what Pontypool has to offer!

Public and changing places toilet

Pontypool

Bethlehem Chapel
Broad Street
Blaenavon
NP4 9NE
Toilets only available when the building is in use
Opening hours: times vary
Accessible toilet – RADAR key not required
Unisex toilet

Big Pit National Coal Museum
Blaenavon
NP4 9XP
Opening hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Café facilities are available
Accessible toilet – RADAR key not required
Baby changing
Female and male toilet

Blaenavon Resource Centre
Middle Coed Cae Road
Blaenavon
NP4 9AW
Opening hours: Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Accessible toilet – RADAR key not required
Baby changing
Unisex toilet

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Church Road
NP4 9AE
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm
Café facilities are available

Lion Street Toilet Block
Lion Street
Blaenavon
NP4 9NH
Opening hours: 9am – 3pm
Accessible toilet – RADAR key not required
Baby changing
Female and male toilet

Find out full details of public access toilets here