Hundreds ride in charity event from St David’s

CYCLISTS from across Wales and beyond descended on St David’s on Saturday (May 24) to take part in this year’s JCP Solicitors Tour of Pembrokeshire.

More than 1,600 riders braved wet and misty conditions to cycle through some of the county’s most challenging and scenic routes in an event that has become one of the most anticipated in the Welsh sporting calendar.

The sportive featured three distances: the Epic 105-mile route with over 10,000ft of climbing, the Classic 60-mile route, and the Community 25-mile route for less experienced participants. Riders set off at staggered times from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and made their way through the Preseli Hills, coastal roads and winding country lanes.

The Herald understands that the event saw strong support from local volunteers, sponsors and charities, with a focus on raising funds for Cancer Research Wales. Additional fundraising was carried out by teams from DEBRA UK, Shine, Wooden Spoon, and Lepra.

Headline sponsors JCP Solicitors said they were “proud to support this fantastic local event” and had several staff and family members taking part. Among the #TeamJCP riders were Amy Seppman (Marketing Director) and her cycling friends Andrea, Hollie and Julian; Benjamin Davies (Director – Property Litigation) and his brother Richard; and Sean Haddock, husband of Legal Advisor Tracy Haddock.

Despite persistent drizzle throughout the morning, the event maintained its festive atmosphere. Each rider received chip timing, a commemorative medal, a free hot meal and drink at the finish line, and access to mobile mechanical and medical support along the route.

A timed hill climb at the “Stop & Call” section added an extra competitive challenge to the day, with live results available online through the event’s official partner, Results Base.

The Herald approached organisers for official winner and podium data, but results have not yet been published. Full times and rankings are expected to be released to registered participants in the coming days.

Now in its 14th year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire has grown into one of the premier cycling sportives in the UK, known for its warm welcome, professional organisation, and breathtaking views.

A spokesperson for the event said: “We’re proud of what the Tour has become – not just a test of endurance, but a showcase for Pembrokeshire’s community spirit and stunning landscapes.”

More coverage will follow as official times and rider statistics become available.

Cardigan teenager secures second place in F1000 Junior battle

CARDIGAN rally talent Henri Cynwyl secured a well-earned second place at the Compbrake Motorsport Stages in Wigan over the weekend, in a tightly fought contest between the top three F1000 Junior drivers.

The 16-year-old Pembrokeshire College student, competing with co-driver Geraint Evans from north Wales, took to the track in his Citroën C1 against 12 other juniors under bright northern skies. Despite the circuit’s go-kart-style layout not playing to the car’s strengths, Henri put in a strong and consistent performance across the 12 two-mile stages.

“It was more of a go-kart track, which didn’t really suit the car that much,” said Henri. “But it was great to get seat time and earn more points for the overall British Championship. Any experience behind the wheel is invaluable, and I’m really grateful to my sponsors for making it possible.”

Henri, who works as an apprentice at DJ Hoyland Electricians in Cardigan, is part of the Teifi Valley Motor Club and currently leads the F1000 Junior Championship standings. With six rounds remaining—including a double-header in Scotland this July—the championship remains wide open, with drop scores and new venues adding to the challenge.

His mother, Anwen, praised the spirit of the event: “He drove well all day, and his times were consistent throughout. The young drivers all support each other—it’s like one big family. The parents all pitch in with food and drink, offering advice and encouragement. There aren’t many clubs or sports where you see that kind of camaraderie and sportsmanship. We’re lucky to be part of the F1000 community.”

As the season continues, all eyes will be on Henri to see if he can hold his lead and take the title in what promises to be a thrilling finish.

IN the days leading up to Sunday’s play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: “The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.”

He wasn’t wrong.

While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it’s worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction.

Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he’d seen as early as last June.

“From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,” he said.

That unity has defined the Bluebirds’ campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief.

And while Haverfordwest’s third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity.

“The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,” he said on Friday. “No excuses from us — the boys are ready.”

Sunday’s performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far.

Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. “Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn’t matter anymore,” Pennock said. “It’s all about Sunday.”

With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations.

But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return.

Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest’s season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC)

Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW