Tour of Britain unveils mountaintop finale

Return to Caerphilly Mountain the first for a decade, reports Tom Davidson

- Tom Davidson, Joe Baker

The 2023 Tour of Britain will conclude atop the steeply pitched Caerphilly Mountain in South Wales, the race organiser has revealed. The climb, which returns to the race after a decade-long absence, will be tackled twice in the finale of stage eight, and will crown this year’s winner on 10 September.

Although only 1.3km in length, the legsapping Caerphilly Mountain is pitched at an average gradient of 10.1%, with ramps in excess of 20%. It last featured in the Tour of Britain in 2013, when a 22-year-old Sam Bennett, then riding for An Post-Chain Reaction, claimed the stage win and what was the first victory of his professional career.

Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain race director, said: “Stage eight is going to be challenging for these amazing riders, feature a true party atmosphere along the route, and will look incredible on TV for those watching around the world. I cannot wait!”

Tour of Britain organiser Sweetspot estimates that 10,000 spectators will line the climb, which is making its fourth appearance as a stage finish.