THE Tour of Britain is passing through Ceredigion, with some of the world's top professional cyclists starting the fourth stage from Aberaeron today (Wednesday, September 8).

The 210-kilometre fourth stage begins 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.

INEOS Grenadiers produced an unstoppable ride to win the AJ Bell Tour of Britain’s Carmarthenshire team time trial stage on Tuesday. The result 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.

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.

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 the county.

Spectators can continue to support the event along the route while being mindful of social distancing and practice road safety.

Supporters can also watch the event from the comfort of their own home as it will be televised on ITV4.

Some roads will close temporarily during the event under rolling closures between 10am and 1.30pm, including the A487 Aberaeron to Aberystwyth trunk road.

There will also be temporary closures on Alexander Road and Terrace Road, Aberystwyth; A487 North Parade to Rhydypennau, B4353 to Borth, Ynyslas, Llancynfelin and Tre'r-ddol and A487 north from Tre’r-ddol to the county boundary with Powys.