Fury as major cycle race is shortened and re-routed to avoid roads with ‘barmy’ 20mph speed limits

ORGANISERS have been forced to re-route and shorten a bike race — to avoid roads with “absurd” 20mph speed limits.

Three of five stages of the Junior Tour of Wales have been altered.

The cyclists cannot be prosecuted, but support vehicles would not have been able to keep up without speeding — especially on downhill parts.

Wales dropped the default speed limit to 20mph in built-up areas in September — although some are being reviewed.

Welsh Tory Andrew RT Davies said: “This is just another example of this barmy policy’s absurd consequences.

“Now, more 20mph zones are coming to England. It’s time to put the brakes on this.”

It affected seven miles and 100 riders started the 237-mile race yesterday.

The blanket limit in Wales is opposed by 70 per cent of voters.

Labour transport secretary Louise Haigh has risked a backlash after saying town halls have her “support” in creating more low-speed areas.  

Shadow Transport Secretary Helen Whatley said: “There’s a time and a place for 20mph speed limits.

“Labour’s blanket 20mph speed limit in Wales has been a disaster. People hate it and it’s often just ignored.”