Sixteen-year-old Welsh champion Elijah Jones hopes sponsorship will help him compete on the worldwide surfing circuit

A PROMISING young surfer from St Davids has secured sponsorship to help him take the next step towards competing internationally.

Elijah Jones, 16, has been backed by BCRS Business Loans after impressing in Welsh competitions and earning places in national development squads.

The teenager has so far competed mainly in Wales but hopes the financial support will help cover the growing cost of equipment, training and travelling to competitions outside the UK.

Elijah said: “From a young age, I have loved being in the water. When I was 12, I decided to commit to surfing and I am now more determined than ever to turn my dream of competing internationally into a reality.

“In my most recent competitions, I came first in the Welsh Under-18 National Longboard, second in the Shortboard and third in the Men’s Longboard.

“I now want to take my surfing to the next level.

“Having the support of BCRS Business Loans means a lot. It is great that they have confidence in me to succeed. Equipment and travel costs quickly mount up in a sport like surfing, and this support will help a great deal.”

Elijah has recently completed his GCSEs at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids and plans to spend much of the summer training in the water.

He will then begin studying A-levels in mathematics, further mathematics, physics and chemistry.

His father, Jonathan Jones, said Elijah’s success reflected his determination and commitment to the sport.

He said: “Elijah is a determined youngster and I am incredibly proud of his achievements.

“Not only has he performed well in competitions, but he is also a member of the Welsh Surf Team, the Welsh Under-21 Progression Squad and the GB Surf Advanced Under-21 squad. That is not bad for a boy of 16.

“The support from BCRS Business Loans is fantastic, and I know how much Elijah is looking forward to surfing while proudly displaying the company’s name on his board.”

BCRS has supported the Welsh Surfing Championships for the past year and representatives first noticed Elijah while watching him compete.

Stephen Deakin, chief executive of BCRS Business Loans, said: “It was during the Welsh Surfing Championships that we noticed Elijah and saw what a promising young athlete he was.

“We are thrilled to take our support to the next level.

“We are proud to back Elijah as he begins competing outside the UK and look forward to seeing what the next season holds.”

BCRS Business Loans is a not-for-profit lender providing finance to businesses across Wales and the West Midlands.

The organisation said it lent £10.2 million to 112 businesses during the last financial year, safeguarding 895 jobs and helping create a further 260 roles.

Picture caption:

St Davids surfer Elijah Jones with BCRS Business Loans business development manager Leanne Jones.

PEOPLE of all ages and abilities are being invited to discover short mat bowls at a free open day in Penally next month.

Penally Short Mat Bowls Club will roll out its green carpets and open its doors to the public on Saturday, August 15, from 12 noon until 5:00pm at Penally Village Hall.

Visitors will be able to try the increasingly popular indoor sport for themselves, meet club members and receive friendly, step-by-step guidance from experienced coaches and volunteers.

Club chairman Clive Law said: “We are eager to welcome some fresh faces into our club.

“Short mat bowls removes many of the barriers found in other sports. It is easy to pick up, highly strategic and incredibly social.

“Whether you are looking for gentle exercise, a new hobby or simply the chance to meet friendly local people over a cup of tea, the open day is the perfect opportunity to see what we are all about.”

The event is open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Children are also welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Attendance is completely free and no advance booking is required, with visitors welcome to drop in at any point during the afternoon.

All bowls and other equipment will be provided by the club. Visitors are asked to bring a pair of clean, flat indoor shoes where possible to help protect the mats.

Specialist bowling arms will also be available for anyone who has difficulty bending down.

Newcomers will be shown the basics and should be able to begin rolling their first bowls within minutes.

Tea and biscuits will be served, with club members promising everyone a warm welcome.

The open day takes place at Penally Village Hall, Penally, SA70 7PT.

For further information, contact Clive Law on 07890 450657 or Neil Hoad on 01777 113467.

Welshpool-to-Cardiff stage will bring the world’s biggest cycling race through mid Wales on Sunday, July 4, 2027

THE TOUR DE FRANCE’S historic visit to Wales next summer has moved a step closer following the official handover of the Grand Départ Trophy in Paris.

The trophy was presented to Great Britain after the final stage of this year’s race, marking the formal transfer from 2026 host Barcelona to the organisers of the 2027 event.

Great Britain will host the opening stages of both the men’s Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in 2027. It will be the first time both races have begun in the same country outside France.

Wales will host the third stage of the men’s race on Sunday, July 4, when the peloton travels from Welshpool to Cardiff.

The route will pass through Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Brecon before finishing in the Welsh capital.

Although the women’s race will not enter Wales, communities along the men’s route are already preparing to welcome some of the world’s leading cyclists.

More than one million spectators are expected to line the route of the men’s race during its three stages in Britain.

A free-to-air broadcasting agreement with Channel 5 will also allow viewers across the UK to follow the action live from home.

Recruitment is continuing for thousands of volunteers needed to help deliver the 2027 Grand Départs. Applications are open until September 1 to people aged 16 and over, regardless of their background or previous experience.

British cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish said: “I built my whole career around Le Tour de France. It’s not simply a bike race, it’s an event that captivates everyone who participates and spectates.

“It is a street party over many kilometres of colour, noise and speed.

“Having raced in 2007 and 2014 in the UK, I know first-hand how amazing the British public are at Le Tour and can’t wait to see it on an even bigger scale with both races next year.

“Taking this trophy back to Britain tonight means a lot.”

Paul Bush, managing director of Grand Départ GB 2027, said: “As of now, Great Britain formally steps forward as the next host of the Tour de France, and we couldn’t be more excited and proud.

“We are determined to make 2027 a moment the whole nation can be proud of.”

The Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday, July 2, with riders travelling to Carlisle.

Stage two will run from Keswick to Liverpool on Saturday, July 3, before the race arrives in Wales for the Welshpool-to-Cardiff stage the following day.

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will begin later that month, with stages from Leeds to Manchester, Manchester to Sheffield and a final stage in London.

Organisers have also launched the JOY social impact programme, which aims to improve health and wellbeing, develop skills and connect communities across the UK.

Further information, including volunteer applications and full route details, is available through the Grand Départ GB 2027 website.

Picture caption: British cycling greats Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish receive the Grand Départ Trophy from the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni. Picture: SWpix.com