INEOS Grenadiers produced an unstoppable ride to win the AJ Bell Tour of Britain’s Carmarthenshire team time trial stage on Tuesday, a result that moves Londoner Ethan Hayter into the race lead after three days.
The British squad finished 17.5 seconds faster than runners up Deceuninck – Quick-Step for the 18.2-kilometre course from Llandeilo to the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Today (Wednesday), the 210-kilometre fourth stage begins in Aberaeron at 10.30am and heads north to Great Orme above Llandudno via Aberystwyth 11.15am, Borth 11.30am, Machynlleth 12 noon, Dolgellau 12.30pm and Harlech 12.55pm.
Ceredigion County Council, in collaboration with the Tour of Britain organisers, is maintaining public safety and a closed stage start will take place on the outskirts of Aberaeron with no spectators allowed.
However, the seaside town will be open and ready to welcome spectators as the cyclists embark on their journey through Ceredigion.
Spectators can continue to support the event along the route while being mindful of social distancing and practice road safety. Fans can also watch the event from the comfort of their own home as it will be televised on ITV4.
Hayter has a six-second lead over team-mate Rohan Dennis with stage one winner Wout van Aert a further 10 seconds in arrears, while overnight leader Robin Carpenter (Rally Cycling) drops to 12th overall, now one minute six seconds down.
“It’s amazing,” said Hayter after the stage. “I’ve ended up in a few leader’s jerseys in the last few races now and it makes the racing great. You know to win the team time-trial is a really nice way to do it.”
Team Jumbo Visma, Israel Start-Up Nation, Team DSM and Alpecin Fenix are the only other teams within a minute of the leaders.
The AJ Bell Tour of Britain is sponsored by AJ Bell, one of the UK’s leading online investment platforms, helping people invest for the long term via ISAs, pensions and general investment accounts. It has a rich history of supporting elite level sport including badminton, cricket, rugby, squash and triathlon.
