Event 26 May 2013
An estimated 10,000 spectators and riders flocked to Aberystwyth over the bank holiday weekend to watch and take part in a three day celebration of cycling.
Friday’s ‘around the houses’ races in the town centre incorporated the televised Pearl Izumi Tour Series professional race which included Olympic stars and other top UK riders. Saturday’s ‘Conquer the Cliff’ mountain bike downhill event also attracted a large entry including a world champion and Sunday’s fun ride took participants the length and breadth of Ceredigion, finishing on Aberystwyth promenade.
Ceredigion cycling experience
The final event of the festival was a chance for all non-racing cyclists to get in on the action, courtesy of the ‘Welsh Wild West’ Sportive. Sportive rides are fun rides over a route market course including up to three different distances to suit all abilities.
Almost 250 riders set out from Aberystwyth and headed north towards Borth before swinging back inland towards Talybont where the ‘Corrach’ route meandered back to Aberystwyth after 28 miles of cycling, again in glorious sunshine.
The middle ‘Mynach’ route took the riders over Nant y Moch and via Devils Bridge, covering 62 miles while the Cawr was not for the faint hearted, covering 105 miles via Tregaron, Lampeter and Talsarn before a final sting in the tail from Llanfihangel up to Trisant.
Each ride included full technical support from sponsors Continental Tyres, plus feed stations where riders were able to fill up with energy drinks and gels, not to mention Bara brith and welsh cakes.
Back at the finish line on Aberystwyth promenade, each finisher was handed a goody bag and again fed and watered at Aberystwyth Boat Club.
First riders to return from the epic 105 mile route were Carwyn Henson and Arwel Jones whilst the majority of competitors were from outside the county.
“Would like to pass on my compliments and congratulate the organising team, and the people who helped on the day, for what is without a doubt amongst the very best sportives I have ridden, and I have done a few now! Everything ran like clockwork on the day, right amount of marshals, well signed, friendly volunteers at feed stations, which were superbly stocked.... food at the finish was excellent and much needed after a strenuous but very rewarding and scenic route. Well done to everyone, and I sincerely hope you'll be putting it on again next year, I'll definitely be back!
Phil Paul – Newtown
Next year’s AberCycleFest in scheduled for the weekend of May 23-25th.
