It's been far too long since we were able to welcome the best junior riders around to match up with each other, but, finally, with a following wind, here we go for the 40th Junior Tour of Wales - and the first in the event's history to incorporate a standalone junior women's race.

The pandemic - and some major roadworks in the area - have forced us to evolve the format a bit. That said, all the classic elements of the Junior Tour are here.

We are returning to a three day format this year, with the event getting underway with the individual time trial - over the classic course from Brynmawr to the Tumble, for men and women, on Saturday afternoon and evening. We'll then be heading west down to Carmarthenshire for two stages, one on the fantastic closed circuit at Pembrey Country Park, and a road race up from the park onto the picturesque but challenging Nantgaredig circuit. One for the sprinters and rouleurs.

Monday sees the race reach its conclusion as the race heads south east from Abergavenny - almost into England for the men, with the final couple of sprints settling the Green Jersey competitions before heading back up to the famous Tumble Mountain for the final showdown.

A huge thanks go to our sponsors, the supporting local and county councils. and to the massive team of dedicated officials and volunteers who will be giving up their time over the weekend.