September 08, 2021 - 1006 views
The winner of today's Tour of Britain stage to the top of the Great Orme in Llandudno will be taking home one of the famous Great Orme goats.
But it won’t be one of the real life residents of the Great Orme that became famous during lockdown, instead race organisers are teaming up with St David’s Hospice to provide both the stage winner and race leader following Stage Four with a Limited Edition St David’s Hospice Great Orme Goat Soft Toy ‘Mostyn’.
Adrian Owen, Conwy Community Fundraiser said; ‘’Thank you so much to the Tour of Britain for both visiting Llandudno and supporting the fantastic work of St David’s Hospice. We are proud to be awarding both the Stage Winner and Tour Leader, one of our fantastic Great Orme Goat Toys at the end of the stage, and hope many spectators will come along to enjoy the race as it passes the Hospice on Abbey Road and visit our stall at The Tour Village on the summit of the Great Orme’’
Originally a gift from Lord Mostyn to Queen Victoria, the Kashmiri goats on the Great Orme have roamed free for over 100 years but 2020’s lockdown made them an internet sensation as the quieter streets attracted them down into the town of Llandudno.
“We all saw the Great Orme goats on television and the internet during lockdown and that particularly chimed with us as we planned our stage finish in Llandudno,” said Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director.
“We were delighted when the opportunity arose to work with St David’s Hospice and to help raise awareness of the great work that they do across North Wales. Hopefully our stage winner will go home not only with a fantastic victory but also a lasting reminder of the Great Orme.”
Stage four – the Queen stage of the 2021 race – begins in Aberaeron (Ceredigion) and will culminate with a finish atop the Great Orme in Llandudno, today Wednesday September 8.
The 210-kilometre undulating route follows the Welsh coast north before cutting through the Snowdonia National Park to the Conwy valley. The stage ends with a spectacular ascent of the Great Orme’s Marine Drive toll road before tackling the 1.9km, 9.8% average climb that runs parallel to the famous tramway up to the finish.
The route through Llandudno will twice take the race along Abbey Road passing outside of St David’s Hospice in the town. More details of the route and timings can be found here.
As well as a big screen showing the race action fans will also find the Tour Village at the Great Orme summit that will include a St David’s Hospice stand where you can find out more about their work, make a donation, and also find their range of Great Orme goat merchandise.
Councillor Louise Emery, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Leisure, and the Deputy Leader said; “We’re really excited to welcome back the Tour of Britain. After a year in Wales with no major events we’re looking forward to getting the industry moving again and continue our ambitions as set out in our Event Strategy 2018-2022 to support our economy, raise our profile and offer a dynamic place to live, work and visit.
“We thank the Tour of Britain for working with St David’s Hospice, giving them this platform to highlight the dedication this local charity provides so many individuals. And thank you to all the staff and volunteers at St David’s Hospice.”
The Tour of Britain last visited Llandudno in 2014 when Mark Renshaw took the stage victory on the Promenade following a stage from Knowsley in Merseyside.
