The race director who brought a major international cycling event to Powys last month has praised the reception the county provided.

Stage Four of the Women’s Tour was held on June 9 and saw some of the world’s best cyclists descend on mid-Wales, passing Lake Vyrnwy and Montgomery before finishing in Welshpool.

Just over a month after the event, race director Mick Bennet has praised the warm welcome the Women’s Tour received, both at the finish line in Welshpool and from the many villages and crowds the race passed by to get there.

Mr Bennet said: “We enjoyed a great reception from Welshpool and would like to thank everyone in the town for welcoming us so warmly.

“It was fantastic to see the way that Powys County Council had engaged the schools and businesses in the town."

The stage started at Wrexham, with the 148-kilometre route passing through Llansilin and Penybontfawr before an anti-clockwise loop of Lake Vyrnwy.

The cyclists would also pass through Llanfihangel, Dolanog, Castle Caereinion, Berriew, Montgomery, Forden and Leighton before reaching a thrilling conclusion at the finish line on Welshpool’s Broad Street.

Mr Bennet added: “The route through Mid Wales certainly proved as testing as anticipated and created great racing and a thrilling finish with Grace Brown taking the win and the race lead on the day.”

The warm reception given to the race in Mid Wales was also praised by Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru.

She said: “It was fantastic to see the Women’s Tour receive such a warm welcome in Mid Wales.

“Coverage of this race has helped to showcase our towns, villages and beautiful countryside, including the iconic Lake Vyrnwy, to a worldwide audience.

“Having film footage of the region broadcast on national television will hopefully encourage viewers to come and experience, unwind and explore Mid Wales which is renowned for its travel routes, nature, wellbeing, landscape and stunning coastline and beaches.”