Sebastian Grindley (Fensham Howes – MAS Design) emerged victorious at the 2024 SD Sealants Junior Tour of Wales, claiming the overall win after five intense stages of racing that showcased his climbing prowess and tactical skill.
From time-trial dominance to solo breakaways and thrilling sprint finishes, the tour was packed with drama and action, highlighting some of Britain’s brightest young talents.
Stage One: Brynmawr to Tumble ITT
The tour kicked off with an 8.93km individual time-trial featuring a rolling course and hilltop finish. Local rider Dylan Sage (Wales) took the first stage, completing the course in 13:28.51. Sebastian Grindley finished seven seconds back in second, while Ahron Dick (HUUB BCC Race Team) secured third.
Stage Two: Brecon to Crai Road Race
The second stage, a 114.2km hilly road race, was marked by aggressive racing and multiple breakaways. Bobby Buenfeld (Velo Club Venta) claimed both the first intermediate sprint and the first King of the Mountains (KoM) points up Dderw Pitch. Rory Gravelle (Wales) took the second sprint, securing the green points jersey.
Oliver Dawson (Fensham Howes – MAS Design) won the stage in a tight sprint finish, just ahead of Elliot Rowe (Scotland) and Grindley. This performance saw Dawson take the KoM jersey, while Grindley’s third-place finish catapulted him into the GC lead.
Stage Three: Pembrey National Circuit Criterium
Rory Gravelle secured the win in a bunch sprint after a wet 44km criterium on the Pembrey National Circuit, beating Rowe and Harrison Dainty (Fensham Howes – MAS Design). Grindley finished fourth, maintaining his GC lead, while Ethan Squires (Beeston Cycling Club) overtook Dawson in the KoM standings.
Stage Four: Pembrey Motor Circuit Criterium
Grindley stamped his authority on the race in Stage 4, launching a solo breakaway in the 96km criterium on Pembrey Motor Circuit. Battling wet and windy conditions, he crossed the line 1:22 ahead of the chasing peloton. Thomas Mead (Lee Valley Youth Cycling Club) won the bunch sprint for second, with Alistair Gardner (Velo Club Venta) finishing third.
Stage Five: Brynmawr to Tumble Road Race
The final 90.4km road race saw the riders tackle the iconic Tumble Mountain. Squires solidified his KoM lead on the early climbs, while a 10-man breakaway, including James Sawyers (trainSharp Development Team) and Max Bufton (Wales), gained a gap of 1:20. However, the peloton reeled in the break, setting up a dramatic final ascent.
Sawyers took the stage win with a 20-second lead over Gardner, while Luke Meyer-Eland (VC Londres) finished third. Grindley’s ninth-place finish secured his overall GC victory, cementing Fensham Howes – MAS Design's dominance in the team classification.
Gravelle edged out Gardner for the green points jersey on countback, while Squires held off Dawson by a single point to win the KoM title. Sage claimed the best young rider’s jersey, rounding off a brilliant performance throughout the tour. Alistair Gardner’s consistent attacking earned him the Combativity Award, highlighting his aggressive racing style across the stages.
Sebastian Grindley’s overall victory was a testament to his strength and resilience, as he secured not only the GC win but also helped his team, Fensham Howes – MAS Design, dominate the team classification. The 2024 Junior Tour of Wales once again lived up to its reputation as a proving ground for future stars, showcasing a thrilling week of elite junior racing.
