Stage 1

The 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain Grand Depart will take place in Carmarthenshire and Newport, although the 175 kilometres that separate the start in Pembrey Country Park and the finish are anything but flat.

Riders will pass through Carmarthen, Brecon and Usk before reaching the city of Newport, although there’s a distinct possibility that the opening OVO Energy Tour of Britain road stage will not finish in a bunch sprint for the first time since 2006. The climb of Belmont Hill (800 metres, 9% average gradient) is tackled inside the final 10 kilometres of racing – GC contenders will have to be aware of splits from the get go.