A COMPETITION to create huge pieces of art along the route of The Tour of Britain cycle race in Powys has been launched.

The county council is calling on businesses, landowners, farmers, schools and community groups to get creative an enter its installation competition ahead of the return of the Tour of Britain in September. The winner could win £400 and there will be a £100 prize for the runner-up.

Stage Four of the race will enter north Powys on Wednesday, September 7 at Llangynog, taking a challenging route through the Dyfi Valley then over to Rhayader and down to Newbridge-on-Wye before finishing at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

With the sporting event being broadcast live on ITV4 when it enters the county, people are being encouraged to attract the cameras by turning open spaces into unique works of art that celebrate their local community.

Any artwork should be located within two miles of the route. There is a chance it will be filmed during the coverage and the group that has created the artwork could be mentioned.

Councillor Avril York, Powys council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We’re delighted that the Tour of Britain is returning to Powys – the green heart of Wales.

"To have a finish for the first time is truly exciting and we are doing everything we can to make the most of this opportunity.

"We have seen that land art plays a huge role in the Tour de France and other cycling events with images of dramatic creations beamed to TV audiences around the world. This competition will help cement the county’s own cycling legacy.

"With coverage of Stage Four of the Tour of Britain race set to be broadcast to countries around the globe, this is a huge opportunity to celebrate your community and shout to the world what Powys has to offer."

To see the route in detail and help plan an installation visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage4. Anyone struggling to find a spot along the route for an artwork should contact the council, who will try and help seek somewhere suitable.

Groups or individuals who create an artwork should email [email protected] before Friday 12 August so the council can inform the Tour of Britain organisers and try to secure a mention during the live coverage of the stage.

To be in with a chance of winning, email a photo of the artwork to [email protected] by Friday, September 2.

For more information about the competition visit tourofbritain.co.uk and enter ’competition corner’.