Sport

2018 Cricket season preview

Published

8 years ago

April 20, 2018

THE Pembroke County Cricket Club season gets under way on Sunday (Apr 22) with a full programme of fixtures scheduled across the five divisions.

The season, set over eighteen fixtures, has several new rules invoked; the biggest innovation sees sides batting first possibly able to gain 29 points even if they don’t win the game. Pembrokeshire has traditionally rewarded winning sides with 30 points, 20 for winning and ten bonus points, five available, one for every two wickets taken and then up to five points for batting, in the top divisions at 40 runs and in the lower divisions 30 runs.

Current holders of the James Morris Memorial Cup as first division champions are Carew, who were controversially demoted following the end of the 2017 season shenanigans on the final day, which also saw skipper Brian Hall banned from the game for the 2018 season, half of which is suspended.

With the village sides absence from the top echelon, close neighbours Cresselly have moved swiftly to strengthen their side, the arrival of Johnston all-rounder Dan Sutton the key acquisition. Skipper Neilson Cole will have an array of batting talent to go alongside the George Cole Cup winner, who scored 936 runs last season for Johnston, 318 more than new team mate Iwan Izzard in second place.

Sutton should open the innings with Adam Chandler, who himself rattled 469 runs, the Doves filling their top order places with veterans Simon Cole, Phil Williams, former Glamorgan opening batsman Dan Cherry (319 runs from 6 innings), Alex Bayley and Matthew Morgan, returning home from London.

Their bowling options will utilise Sutton and last season’s opening pair of Neil Gregory (25 wickets) and Dan James (20 wickets) alongside Tom Arthur on a track prepared by groundsman Dick ‘The Dog’ Arthur. Cole will also have a spin from Simon Cole another veteran in Ryan Lewis (20 wickets) and Mike Shaw. Steffan ‘Boxer’ Jenkins leads the second XI in the division below, their first fixture an intriguing one as they travel down the hill to Carew, with his sister Megan Arthur leading the third team challenge from the picturesque Castle Ground.

Whitland skipper Iestyn Scourfield has also recruited well for the 2018 season as former players Steffan James and Owain Evans have returned to the fold from South Wales Premier League side Carmarthen Wanderers.

Whitland – Duggie Morris Cup winners 2017

James will become available on his return from University in Leeds by the end of May, with Evans slotting into the top order and doubling up as wicketkeeper for Scourfield, who took 26 wickets last season. This will compensate for the loss of all-rounder Scott Newton, on a year sabbatical travelling around Australia.

Another all-rounder, Jonathan Thomas (356 runs) will be a rock around which their game plan is built once rugby commitments pass as the seasons overlap, alongside Matthew ‘Titch’ Davies who will be understudy to his skipper bringing experience with his medium pacers and batting.

Scourfield can also call upon other veterans Wayne Howells (389 runs), Wil Spreadbury (375 runs), Dylan Blain and Greg Sleep. Supporting Scourfield with the new ball maybe his cousin Gethin, after a successful season last year. Wayne Jones continues as skipper of the stiffs in the second division and veteran former Club Captain Mark Lee leads the third team in division five.

Neyland will be led once again by County skipper Sean Hannon from his wicket-keeping berth, with Patrick Bellerby (445 runs), Paul Murray (434 runs) and Ashley Sutton, when rugby commitments allow the key run gatherers, alongside youngsters Geraint Rees and all-rounder Scott Jones.

Nathan Banner will be an asset if he is available for all the games as Hannon will continue to have veteran Andrew Millers talents at his disposal, as he topped the bowling chart last season with 37 wickets with his canny off spin, supported by another key all-rounder Nick Koomen who took 19 wickets in 2017.

Seamer Henry Durrant should share the new ball with seventeen year old Jamie Smith, who burst onto the scene last season. Bellerby is also a top class fielder for the all whites who work hard and pride themselves on their high standards, as he snaffled six catches in the Harrison Allen Final victory last year.

Their 2nd XI will again be captained by Paul Miller and the third team by Sam Laugharne, grandson of first team scorer John. Another club stalwart Ian Milsom is lead groundsman at the Athletic Ground, son Ben Mathias-Milsom assisting and wicket preparation down to Rob Bellerby.

Haverfordwest, the oldest Club in Wales have batsman Dan Potter at the helm for the sixth season, with all-rounder Simon Holliday committing himself to the Club once more following much pre-season debate on his unhappiness with the wicket.

Former assistant groundsman Martin Thomas has returned to nurture the Racecourse grounds, as Wales XL (40 Club) skipper Holliday (453 runs and 23 wickets) will have another veteran in Ben Field at the top of the order alongside young all-rounder Kieron O’Connor.

The availability for a full season of Adam Raymond and Nigel Delaney is doubtful giving Sean Williams the opportunity to cement a place in the absence early season of teenager Nikhil Mathias and University student Dan Cole. The opening attack should feature Adam James after a curtailed 2017 through injury and left arm quickie Johnnie White, who took 25 wickets in his first season in the top echelon.

Adam James: Returning from injury for Haverfordwest

The opening bowlers’ brother, Ashley James is missing the start of the campaign due to work commitments so much of the workload will be borne by new Club Treasurer Chris Phillips and youngster Archie Thomas, as veteran all-rounder Nigel Morgan has been pencilled in to lead the second team. Paul Maggs will once again skipper the third team in Division three and Jason Phillips will be turning the spuds as skipper of the fourth team, where he hopes son William will become a regular, in division five.

Kilgetty have lost last season’s skipper Ian Poole on a regular basis, as he concentrates on his fitness for the forthcoming inaugural Over 50’s World Cup in Australia. New skipper will be Ross Hardy, who will open the innings and perform with the ball having taken 18 wickets last season.

Young all-rounder Kurtis Marsh became a key player at Kingsmoor on their return to Division 1, scoring 457 runs and taking 18 wickets with his off spin, which earnt him a deserved County call up and he will also be a key player if they wish to avoid the worries of last season.

Former Wales age group opening bowler Jack Parkinson, when rugby commitments allow and Kyle Marsh will be names on the team sheet, alongside new wicketkeeper Dafydd Bevan who has moved down A477 from Carew to take over from the gloves from Geoff Marsh. The Ground will again be manicured by Ian Poole, with all-rounder Andrew Evans leading the second team in Division 5.

Lawrenny will once again have opening batsman Brad McDermot-Jenkins as skipper hoping to build on his accumulation of 304 runs last season, alongside Joe Kidney, the left hander plundering 301 runs at the top of the order.

Simon Cole: In action for Lawrenny last season

The skippers dad Ian Jenkins will continue for another season alongside fellow veteran and former Wales opening bowler Rob Williams (18 wickets), Steve ‘Clew’ Lewis and wicketkeeper / batsman James Buckle. Simon ‘Chiefy’ Cole will be the heartbeat of the side alongside all-rounders Harry Thomas and teenager Ryan Morton, a name to watch as he establishes himself in the side, alongside Matthew Lewis. The second team, Alec Colley Cup winners last season will continue to be skippered by veteran wicketkeeper / batsman Huw Griffiths with the ground work undertaken by first team scorer Malcolm Thomas and Chris Jenkins.

St Ishmaels have a new skipper for the season, top order batsman Phil Cockburn (395 runs) taking over from Peter Bradshaw (376 runs), who will continue to open the batting for the peninsular village side. Veteran Andrew Williams will feature heavily with bat and ball for ‘Tish’ alongside Jonathan and Andrew Pawlett and Andrew Palmer who both took 29 wickets last season.

Daniel Flynn, third in the County bowling charts with 34 wickets will lead the spin attack alongside all-rounder Daniel Howells, stepping up as number two to Cockburn. Jordan Millich should make a mark as he has become accustomed to rigours of the first division and the arrival of talented twins Harry and Jack Nicholls from rivals Herbrandston will strengthen the side, Jack taking the gloves for the ensuing season. Veteran all-rounder Robbie Thomas leads the second team in division four, with Mel Williams the leading light on the Recreation ground alongside Kevin Bowen.

Johnston have lost Sutton to Cresselly and last season’s skipper Lee Summons (532 runs) has stood down from post but remains with the Club, alongside his father John. All-rounder Chris Fitzpatrick has taken the helm but will be without veteran bowler Richard James due to work commitments and possibly his son Gary will also miss the majority of the season.

Second team skipper and groundsman Steve James son Nathan will be thrust to the forefront of the side alongside youngster Lewis Boswell and his elder brother, wicketkeeper Liam, the team sheet also holding the names of brothers Ross and Daniel Dewstowe, both of whom could make an impact in the top division alongside Chris Goodridge.

Newly promoted sides Llangwm and Burton have stuck with the captains which led the promotion charge from last season. Burton will have Richard Jones chirping instructions from behind the wicket to cajole the best out of veteran opening bowler Jon Scale (22 wickets), with Luke Hayman also taking 22 wickets last season to go with his 347 runs.

Key all-rounder Morgan Scale’s off spinners took 23 wickets and he stroked 347 runs with the Davies brothers, James and Jon featuring in the attack for Jones. Top run gatherer Jonathan Venables (369 runs) alongside Hayman’s younger brother Toby on return from injury and opening batsman Martyn James (327 runs) will form the basis from which Burton can score heavily. Dan Griffiths will again skipper the second team in division four, with his grandad Brian ensuring the ground is in tip top condition alongside Dai Goodridge.

Dan Jones Cup winners Llangwm have bowler Ollie Davies (28 wickets) leading the side, with former skipper Joseph Kiff (414 runs) acting as his deputy. All-rounder Chris Inward is available all season after his foray to Carmarthen Wanderers last year as he, Mathew Kiff (33 wickets) and teenage all-rounder Noah Davies (29 wickets and 447 runs) will vie for the new ball.

Veteran wicketkeeper Wil Beresford (430 runs) will open the innings with Davies, as top order batsman James Venables returns to full fitness. Richard Brock and his cousins Luke and Huw complete a potentially strong batting line up alongside all-rounder Phil Llewellyn (26 wickets).

Youngsters Toby Asson, when he returns from University and Ewan Griffiths should have a golden opportunity to perform as the Pill Parks side have veteran bowler Sean Thomas leading the second team in Division four after promotion last season. Ian Gow will continue as head groundsman assisted by Julian Platten, new club vice chairman Simon Richards, with Jeremy Brock.

County Club Chairman Paul Webb said: “We wish all as cricketers, umpires, scores and supporters the very best for the forthcoming season, where cricket will be the winner. I’m hoping we have competitive and spirited matches across all five divisions as we provide cricket for 49 teams.”

Paul Webb: Wished everyone well for 2018

Webb, in his second year as Chairman of the County Club, plies his trade with Cresselly and is also skipper of the Welsh Over 50’s team, will continue to attend as many matches and grounds as he did in 2017, hoping he and his wife Janice receive a friendly welcome.

He will also be a County Selector for the forthcoming season where Pembroke County have fixtures arranged starting on Sunday (May 13) when the Wales XL (40 Club) are welcomed to Kilgetty.

The week after the South Wales League come to Lawrenny with the return fixture at Llandysul on Sunday (June 10).

Pembroke Dock play host to Wales U17’s on Thursday (July 5), Glamorgan 2nds making the trip to Cresselly on Tuesday (Aug 7) and the MCC being entertained at Whitland on Wednesday (Aug 15).

The prestigious Harrison Allen Bowl Final will be held on Saturday (July 28) at Cresselly with the other major cup competition finals being the D R Morris Cup: Sunday (July 15) at Burton CC, Alec Coley Cup: Sunday (Aug 12) at Pembroke CC, Ormond Youth Cup: Sunday (Aug 26) at Carew CC and the Ormond Youth Plate: Friday (Aug 3), at Lawrenny CC.

The postponed 2017 Jubilee Cup final between Harrison Allen Bowl winners Neyland and Division one Winners Carew will take place at the Athletic Ground, Neyland on Sunday (June 17).

Related Topics:Burton Cresselly Cricket Division 1 Haverfordwest Johnston Kilgetty Lawrenny Llangwm Neyland St Ishmaels Whitland

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Long Course Weekend set to bring thousands to Pembrokeshire

Published

10 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Herald Sport

Three days of swimming, cycling and running will once again transform Tenby into one of the UK’s biggest endurance sporting festivals

TENBY is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators from across the UK and around the world as the Long Course Weekend returns to Pembrokeshire from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28.

Now firmly established as one of Europe’s largest participation sporting events, Long Course Weekend Wales combines swimming, cycling and running challenges over three days, attracting everyone from elite athletes to first-time competitors.

Unlike a traditional triathlon, competitors can enter one, two or all three disciplines, choosing distances that suit their ability. Those who complete the full long-course distances across all three days earn the coveted fourth medal, one of the event’s most sought-after prizes.

Three days of endurance

The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Wales Swim off Tenby’s famous North Beach.

Athletes will take to the waters of Carmarthen Bay in a range of distances, including the iconic 2.4-mile swim, while younger participants will have the chance to get involved through the popular LC Kinder event.

Saturday is dedicated to cycling, with thousands of riders expected to tackle the Pembrokeshire countryside during the Wales Sportive. Routes cater for a variety of abilities, from recreational cyclists to seasoned endurance competitors taking on the full long-course challenge.

The weekend reaches its climax on Sunday with a series of running events, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon.

The marathon route is regarded as one of the most scenic and demanding road races in Wales, taking runners through some of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular coastal and rural scenery before the final run back into Tenby and the cheers of thousands of spectators.

A major boost for the local economy

Long Course Weekend has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most important annual events.

Hotels, guest houses, campsites, restaurants, cafés and shops across Tenby, Saundersfoot and the wider county benefit from the influx of visitors, many of whom stay for several nights.

For many businesses, the event provides a welcome boost at the start of the summer season, filling accommodation and generating significant spending across the local economy.

The event has also helped establish Tenby as one of Britain’s leading destinations for endurance sport alongside the annual Ironman Wales competition.

Spectators welcome

One of the defining features of Long Course Weekend is the support provided by local communities.

From the swim start on North Beach to villages along the cycling and running routes, competitors are encouraged by thousands of spectators throughout the weekend.

The finish-line atmosphere in Tenby is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the event, with runners and cyclists greeted by packed crowds as they complete their challenge.

Families, residents and visitors are encouraged to come along and support participants, with viewing areas available throughout the course.

Road closures and travel advice

Residents are being urged to plan journeys carefully throughout the weekend.

Organisers have confirmed that the Wales Sportive cycling event will once again operate without full road closures, although motorists should expect increased numbers of cyclists on roads across south Pembrokeshire and are urged to drive with extra care.

Traffic restrictions and road closures will, however, be in place around Tenby and along parts of the running routes on Sunday.

Drivers should allow extra travel time and check the latest information from organisers before setting out.

Emergency access arrangements will remain in place throughout the weekend and organisers have worked closely with emergency services, local authorities and transport providers to minimise disruption while ensuring participant safety.

What to expect

For three days, Tenby becomes the centre of the endurance sports world.

Visitors can expect a festival atmosphere throughout the town, with athletes arriving from across Britain and overseas, cafés and restaurants bustling with activity, and competitors of all ages taking on personal challenges.

Some will be chasing podium places. Others will simply be aiming to cross the finish line.

Whatever their goal, Long Course Weekend continues to showcase Pembrokeshire at its best, combining world-class sporting competition with some of the finest scenery in Wales.

As thousands gather once again on the county’s coastline this weekend, organisers are promising another unforgettable celebration of endurance, determination and community spirit.

Long Course Weekend 2026 at a glance

Friday, June 26

Wales Swim
LC Kinder children’s events

Saturday, June 27

Wales Sportive cycling events

Sunday, June 28

5K run
10K run
Half marathon
Full marathon

Location: Tenby and surrounding Pembrokeshire routes

Spectators: Free to attend

Advice: Check road closure information before travelling and allow extra time for journeys throughout the weekend.

Sport

Pembroke County Cricket League: Week nine round-up

Published

20 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Herald Sport

Saundersfoot extend Division One lead as Cresselly III continue unbeaten run

SAUNDERSFOOT strengthened their position at the top of Division One in the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League with a convincing 145-run win over Burton.

Tom Mansbridge led the way with 86 as Saundersfoot posted 219-6, before Burton were bowled out for 74. Ollie Cook finished unbeaten on 20 and took 3-17, while Sam Franklin added 20 and 2-17.

Carew also enjoyed a strong afternoon, bowling Herbrandston out for 77 before reaching 79-2 to win by eight wickets. George Waters was the standout performer with 7-15, while Morgan Grieve made an unbeaten 61.

Cresselly kept themselves in the Division One chase with an eight-wicket win over Lawrenny. Mike Shaw took 4-10 before Tom Murphy’s unbeaten 105 saw Cresselly home.

Narberth beat Whitland by 103 runs, while St Ishmaels defeated Neyland by four wickets.

Division One results

Fixture	Result
Saundersfoot 219-6 v Burton 74 all out	Saundersfoot won by 145 runs
Carew 79-2 v Herbrandston 77 all out	Carew won by eight wickets
Cresselly 178-2 v Lawrenny 173 all out	Cresselly won by eight wickets
Whitland 108-9 v Narberth 211-4	Narberth won by 103 runs
St Ishmaels 139-6 v Neyland 137-8	St Ishmaels won by four wickets

Division One table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Saundersfoot	9	148
2	Carew	9	126
3	Neyland	9	117
4	Cresselly	9	116
5	Burton	9	99
6	Herbrandston	9	95
7	Narberth	9	78
8	St Ishmaels	9	64
9	Whitland	9	49
10	Lawrenny	9	47

Hook stay top in Division Two

HOOK remain top of Division Two after a dramatic one-wicket win over Johnston.

Johnston were bowled out for 137, with Callum James taking 4-26 and Brennan Martin 3-37. Hook then edged home on 141-9, helped by Aled Phelps’ 68.

Haverfordwest kept up the pressure with a seven-wicket win over Pembroke. Simon Williams took 5-11 and Fin Ateyo 4-19 before Ben Field’s unbeaten 43 guided Haverfordwest to victory.

Cresselly II beat Llangwm by 11 runs, Fishguard defeated Pembroke Dock by 18 runs, and Llechryd beat Llanrhian by 71 runs.

Division Two results

Fixture	Result
Llangwm 155 all out v Cresselly II 166 all out	Cresselly II won by 11 runs
Pembroke Dock 57 all out v Fishguard 75 all out	Fishguard won by 18 runs
Pembroke 93 all out v Haverfordwest 94-3	Haverfordwest won by seven wickets
Hook 141-9 v Johnston 137 all out	Hook won by one wicket
Llechryd 204-6 v Llanrhian 133 all out	Llechryd won by 71 runs

Division Two table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Hook	9	138
2	Haverfordwest	9	133
3	Johnston	9	131
4	Cresselly II	9	129
5	Pembroke	9	129
6	Fishguard	9	93
7	Pembroke Dock	9	73
8	Llanrhian	9	73
9	Llangwm	9	70
10	Llechryd	9	65

Laugharne lead Division Three

LAUGHARNE stayed top of Division Three with a five-wicket win over Carew II.

Carew II were bowled out for 128 before Laugharne reached 129-5. Callum Collins-Davies took 4-13, Joe Hodges claimed 3-33 and finished 21 not out, while Matt Tait made an unbeaten 53.

Hundleton beat Kilgetty by one wicket in a close contest, Lamphey defeated Stackpole by eight wickets, Pembroke II beat Burton II by seven wickets, and Haverfordwest II beat Saundersfoot II by 43 runs.

Division Three results

Fixture	Result
Laugharne 129-5 v Carew II 128 all out	Laugharne won by five wickets
Hundleton 164-9 v Kilgetty 163-5	Hundleton won by one wicket
Stackpole 112-8 v Lamphey 113-2	Lamphey won by eight wickets
Burton II 146 all out v Pembroke II 150-3	Pembroke II won by seven wickets
Haverfordwest II 133 all out v Saundersfoot II 90 all out	Haverfordwest II won by 43 runs

Division Three table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Laugharne	9	143
2	Carew II	9	113
3	Kilgetty	9	113
4	Pembroke II	9	112
5	Lamphey	9	110
6	Saundersfoot II	9	91
7	Burton II	8	87
8	Hundleton	9	78
9	Haverfordwest II	9	76
10	Stackpole	8	35

Division Four remains tight

LAWRENNY II remain top of Division Four, although they had no game against Carew III.

Narberth II recorded a heavy win over Crymych, making 216-7 before bowling Crymych out for 58 to win by 158 runs. Manu Iddagoda made 62 and Arron Keane 57.

Neyland II beat Hook II by seven wickets, Herbrandston II defeated Llechryd II by 85 runs, and Haverfordwest III beat St Ishmaels II by 41 runs.

Division Four results

Fixture	Result
Lawrenny II v Carew III	No game
Narberth II 216-7 v Crymych 58 all out	Narberth II won by 158 runs
Neyland II 184-3 v Hook II 182-6	Neyland II won by seven wickets
Herbrandston II 216-6 v Llechryd II 131 all out	Herbrandston II won by 85 runs
Haverfordwest III 128-9 v St Ishmaels II 87 all out	Haverfordwest III won by 41 runs

Division Four table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Lawrenny II	8	120
2	St Ishmaels II	9	119
3	Narberth II	9	114
4	Hook II	9	109
5	Herbrandston II	9	104
6	Neyland II	9	103
7	Crymych	9	92
8	Llechryd II	9	85
9	Haverfordwest III	9	84
10	Carew III	8	45

Cresselly III stay unbeaten

CRESSELLY III continued their unbeaten Division Five campaign with a 15-run win over Llangwm II.

Cresselly III made 190-6, with Steffan Jenkins scoring 57, Ollie Toy 47 and George Davies 32. Llangwm II replied with 175 all out, despite Toby Asson’s 68 and Bill Brant’s 40.

Llanrhian II beat Pembroke Dock II by three wickets, helped by Michael Lawrence’s unbeaten 43 and 2-6. Pembroke III defeated Whitland II by 67 runs, with Harry Penniket making 48.

Division Five results

Fixture	Result
Cresselly III 190-6 v Llangwm II 175 all out	Cresselly III won by 15 runs
Llanrhian II 104-7 v Pembroke Dock II 102 all out	Llanrhian II won by three wickets
Pembroke III 128-8 v Whitland II 61 all out	Pembroke III won by 67 runs
Llechryd III v Hundleton II	No game

Division Five table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Cresselly III	8	146
2	Llangwm II	8	113
3	Llanrhian II	8	108
4	Whitland II	9	106
5	Pembroke III	8	79
6	Pembroke Dock II	9	63
7	Llechryd III	7	58
8	Hundleton II	7	28

Haverfordwest IV lead Division Six

ONLY one Division Six match was completed, with Haverfordwest/Cresselly beating Lamphey II by eight wickets.

Lamphey II were bowled out for 89 before Haverfordwest/Cresselly reached 90-2. Tom Rowlands was unbeaten on 66, while Dan Cole finished 12 not out and took 2-13.

Whitland III’s match with Haverfordwest IV was abandoned, as was Kilgetty II’s fixture against Laugharne II. Neyland III had a bye.

Division Six results

Fixture	Result
Whitland III v Haverfordwest IV	Match abandoned
Kilgetty II v Laugharne II	Match abandoned
Lamphey II 89 all out v Haverfordwest/Cresselly 90-2	Haverfordwest/Cresselly won by eight wickets
Neyland III	Bye

Division Six table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Haverfordwest IV	8	101
2	Lamphey II	7	100
3	Whitland III	8	93
4	Neyland III	8	84
5	Haverfordwest/Cresselly	7	70
6	Laugharne II	8	65
7	Kilgetty II	8	23

The results and tables cover Week Nine fixtures played on Saturday (June 20).

News

National champions set for Lloyds Road Championships in Wales

Published

5 days ago

June 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Strong Welsh contingent among elite field heading to Lampeter and Aberystwyth

SOME of Britain’s leading cyclists will head to Wales next week as the 2026 Lloyds National Road Championships get under way.

Sixteen former elite national road champions are among the riders named for the event, which begins in Lampeter on Thursday, June 25, before moving to Aberystwyth for the circuit race and road race.

Welsh rider Zoe Backstedt, of Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto, is expected to be one of the headline names after winning the elite women’s time-trial title at last year’s championships.

Backstedt said: “I’m super excited to come back to Wales to race national champs this year. I don’t get to race in the UK a lot, let alone in Wales, so that makes it even more exciting to be there.

“We’ve got such a strong roster of riders in the UK, so it’s never going to be easy, but I hope I’ll come into this in good shape and fighting for the win.”

Millie Couzens, of Fenix-Premier Tech, returns to defend her women’s road race title. She faces a strong field including three-time road national champion Pfeiffer Georgi, Morven Yeoman, Imogen Wolff, Cat Ferguson, Anna Henderson and Flora Perkins.

In the men’s road race, Sam Watson, of NetCompany Ineos, will look to retain his crown against a field including former national champion Ben Swift, reigning under-23 champion Matthew Brennan, Adam Howell and Ethan Hayter.

Hayter said: “Nationals always seem to bring out the best in me. I’ve managed to win a jersey in 2024 and 2025, so it would be nice to try to add another in the TT or RR.

“Each year the level gets higher, but it makes for aggressive, exciting racing.”

Cameron Mason will return to Aberystwyth to defend his open circuit race title, with Thomas Armstrong, Matt Bostock and Oliver Wood among those expected to challenge.

Kate Richardson also returns as defending women’s circuit race champion. She will be joined by a strong field including Isabel Sharp, Carys Lloyd, Xan Crees, Jenny Holl and Josie Knight.

A number of Welsh riders will also compete across the championships, including Finlay Tarling, Elynor Backstedt, Anna Morris, Owain Doull MBE and Megan Barker.

Erin Boothman, following a successful track season, will make her Lloyds National Road Championships debut in the women’s road race and under-23 women’s time-trial. Ben Wiggins will also return to Ceredigion as he looks to improve on last year’s silver medal in the under-23 men’s time-trial.

Ten national champions’ jerseys will be contested over three days of racing.

The time-trial takes place in Lampeter on Thursday, June 25. The elite women, under-23 women and under-23 men will race over 25.6km, while the elite men will cover 38.4km.

Aberystwyth will host the circuit race on Friday, June 26, and the road race on Sunday, June 28, giving spectators the chance to watch some of Britain’s best riders on Welsh roads.

The championships return to Wales with support from the Welsh Government.

Pic: Lloyds National Circuit Championship 2025 (Pic: SWPix.com)