Gore Sportive Series Coming Soon
The GORE BIKE WEAR Llanwrtyd Wells 4th July 2009
4th July, as everyone knows in Independence Day. Now, whilst event organiser Mike Wilkens doesn't predict any alien motherships hovering over Mid Wales, he does point out that, like a lycra festooned behemoth, the Gore Bike Wear sportive will descend upon the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells on that very date. The small Welsh town, just 10 minutes away from Builth Wells has long been an iconic spot in the history of UK mountain biking. However, this year will see cycling shenanigans of a skinny tyred kind on July 4th, as hundreds of sportivers will emerge from their cars to tackle a cruel selection of Mid Wales' finest hill roads.
The Routes
The first round of the GORE BIKE WEAR Road Sportive Series offers two different courses (50mile or 90mile) and expects the riders to climb 1600m or 2600m over the chosen distance. Both routes start from the Show Field, Llanwrtyd Wells and will split immediately on leaving the venue. The 50 mile route heads west through Llanwrtyd Wells towards Abergwesyn. The 90 mile route heads east, gently descending towards Llangammarch Wells, then along undulating B roads through Garth and Beulah and then west to rejoin the shorter route in Abergwesyn.
Both routes then turn towards Tregaron, eventually reaching the Devils Staircase, one mile long and very steep, this has been on route for both the Milk Race and the Kelloggs Road Race.
After the staircase you drop steeply, only to face another climb almost as steep and a bit longer. On descending from this second climb you will turn south down the Tywi Valley towards Llandovery, reaching the first feed-station and checkpoint at 33 miles for the longer course and 25 miles for the shorter course. Take your time and enjoy the view as this viewpoint overlooks the Llynbrianne Reservoir, one of the most beautiful valleys in Wales. The road continues through Rhandirmywn passing The Royal Oak Public House.
On reaching Llandovery the shorter route turns east and climbs over the Sugar loaf and then descends back to Llanwrtyd Wells. While the longer route follows the main road for a few miles before turning onto B roads towards Brecon. The second feed station is near the village of Cradoc, at approximately 67 miles. Just past Cradoc the route turns left towards Upper Chapel and then left again over the Eppynt Military Range, descending to Llangammarch Wells and continues back through Cefngorwydd to Llanwrtyd Wells.
Statistics - short course (standard sportive):
Length: approx: 50 mile
Climbing: approx. 1,600 meters
Statistics - long course (classic sportive):
Length: approx: 90 mile
Climbing: approx. 2,600 meters
For more details on the 1st round of the GORE BIKE WEAR Road Sportive Series 2009 including profiles and course details please go to http://www.gorebikewearsportives.com/llanwrtyd_wells.php. To enter the sportives please go to http://www.gorebikewearsportives.com/entry.php.
Weekend ticket
The Merida MTB Marathon takes place at Llanwrtyd Wells on the same weekend. Don't forget that if you interested in entering both events over the weekend that there is a £10 discount.
Other series dates/locations
2nd round - 1st August 2009 in Selkirk, Scotland (featuring the ‘extreme' loop)
3rd round - 19th September 2009 in Ruthin, Wales
Services and support on site:
MTBWorks will be on site to help the riders to get ready for their ride as well as offer post ride support. The guys from are offering a complete package of pre- and post event physical therapy for optimal performance. So if you are in need for some sounds advice and want to make sure you get your well deserved rub down after the event best to drop the guys a line on mtbworks@gmail.com or visit www.mtbworks.com to book your personal session in.
