Tour of Pembrokeshire: 1,500 cyclists took part in the 2016 event

THE 2016 TOUR of Pembrokeshire took place at its new venue of Crug Glas near St Davids on the weekend of April 23-24.

The venue was not the only thing changing about the tour this year – there was the added combination of adjusted and optimised routes as well as new feeding stations en route.

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is an early-season sportive event which really encapsulates what it is like to cycle in Pembrokeshire.

The route includes endless quiet country roads, coastal views, daunting climbs and energysapping ups and downs.

With three different routes to choose from, the tour offers the opportunity for riders of almost any ability to test themselves against what Pembrokeshire has to offer.

In the past, the tour has attracted names such as Chris Boardman MBE, and regularly has many cycling publications attend to ride at the event.

The cycling weekend kicked off on the rather wet and grey Friday afternoon (Apr 22) where a large amount of the 1,500 cyclists made their way up to Crug Glas to register for the event and collect their rider number, timing chip and info pack.

Despite the grim weather, the atmosphere was buoyant as riders got into the mood for the challenge ahead, and sportive riders are well accustomed to imperfect weather conditions.

Saturday saw an early start both for the organisers of the event and the riders themselves, as cars began to arrive at Crug Glas at 5am.

There was a tangible atmosphere of anticipation and excitement as riders unloaded their bikes from their cars, got ready and enjoyed a hearty breakfast, which was prepared by Crug Glas and Will Evans and the team from Gwaun Valley Meats, to see them through the day.

As 7am approached, the 100- mile route cyclists had their timing chips scanned and began the route whilst the sun steadily rose over the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside and music blared out whilst family and friends cheered.

Live bands, such as Fishguard and Goodwick orchestra, Samba Band, Honey Fungus and PUP, played at Feed Stations and the venue throughout the day.

Twinned with the bout of incredible weather, this made the day an unforgettable experience for both the riders and locals alike.

The route brought cyclists through Fishguard, Newport, St Dogmaels, Crymych, the Gwaun Valley, Bedd Morris, Puncheston, St Davids and then back up along the main road to Crug Glas.

Riders doing the 100-mile route had to face over 10,000 foot of uphill climbs.

Joshua Fiddy, Event Organiser, said: “This year we have been incredibly blessed to have some of the best weather the tour has ever experienced.

“This, along with the great new venue in Crug Glas, fantastic Feed Stations, live music from some of Pembrokeshire’s best bands, enthusiastic and dedicated staff and volunteers, great support from sponsors and obviously the riders themselves who turned up in the droves and gave it everything they had, made the 2016 Tour of Pembrokeshire one that will stand out in the minds of all involved for many years to come.

“It was a truly superb day that I am proud to have been a part of.”

The tour supported the Welsh Air Ambulance, Paul Sartori Foundation, RNLI and 2420 (Whitland and District) Squadron. They were grateful for the help of the volunteers from these organisations that worked so hard and enthusiastically on the day.

A host of riders who partook in the tour left their comments. Colin Wyatt said: “I just wanted to say thanks. It was the hardest and best sportive I have ever done.

“The atmosphere was more of a festival and was second to none. Credit too goes to the kind and courteous people of Pembrokeshire who were the most considerate drivers and spectators I have known.”

Richard Davies said: “This is probably the best event I’ve ridden. It was superb in every aspect, even the brutal hills. I had 112 miles in the bag by the time I got back to the B&B!”

The tour would like to give special thanks to their sponsors – Pembrokeshire Bikes, Fred Rees Skoda, Quality Cottages, Gwaun Valley Meats, Castle Hot Tubs and the many other businesses and organisations that helped to make the Tour of Pembrokeshire happen.