Gran Fondo Cymru
Posted: 20 Feb 2008
Event Date: 25 May 2008
The Snowdonia region of North Wales provides a close terrain to the European Alpine Gran Fondos and the challenge of this event has attracted cyclists from all over the United Kingdom to the past two editions.
The Gran Fondo route is equal in length (200km) and vertical distance (4,100m) to the majority of the premier European events. With professional administration and support, it has established itself as being amongst the UK's most highly demanding cyclosportive challenge rides and is perfectly timed to fine tune preparation for the classic European events.
The event supports the Dave Rayner Fund, a registered charity helping young UK riders to establish their careers in Europe and Ty Gobain Cymru, the children's hospice charity.
For 2008 some boring bits have been cut out and replaced by a wonderful descent to Beddgelert from Capel Curig. The Super Challenge is no more and the Gran Fondo (200km and 4,100m vertical) now does a tour of Lake Vyrnwy and then climbs the stunning Tanat Valley from Llangynog, before descending back to Bala. The Medio Fondo (formerly Gran Fondo) is now a more manageable 153km and returns to Bala along the lake, whilst the Sporting Route remains the considerable 61km challenge that it always has been for those who want a shorter ride or less climbing.
The route is fully dayglo signed. There will be a dedicated medical tent at the finish, hot food and drink at the second feed, and a hot drink and more recovery capes (space blanket type) at the finish. Every finisher will get an appropriate medal and a certificate in a waterproof container.
Further information
Jonnie Woodall woodall@smho.demon.co.uk
M 0044 (0)7710 638866
