The Great Orme Road Race 2014
Hundreds of cyclists are set to turn out in Llandudno on the 28th of September for the third annual Great Orme Road Race, a competitive cycle event inspired by the famous Milk Race.
Rhos-on-Sea Cycling Club are running the event for a third year with sponsorship and support from Conwy Borough County Council, Tweaks Cycles, Delsol, Daionic, Kapz and British Cycling.
During the 1970’s and 80’s the Tour of Britain race, known most famously for its years as the Milk Race, would see competitors ride around Llandudno’s Great Orme in one heat of the national event.
This year sees the return of the professional race to the town for the first time in 30 years. Just two weeks before the Great Orme Road Race, the Tour of Britain will be hitting the town, with the prospects of Olympic and Tour De France stars, such as Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas, all racing around the iconic headland of the Great Orme.
Firefighter, Matt Ryan, 39, is the Race secretary of Rhos-on-Sea Cycling Club and came up with the idea of running an amateur race in a bid to bring cycling back to the town.
It is the only competitive cycle road race in north Wales open to non-professional riders, when the roads are officially closed to traffic. Other events to take place around the Great Orme this year include Llandudno Tri, British Rally and the Nick Beer 10k.
The Great Orme Road Race will take place along a 35-mile circuit around the Great Orme with separate divisions for children, women, seniors and veterans over 50 on Sunday, September 28.
Matt, who works full time for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and lives on St David’s Road, Llandudno with wife Rebecca and their 3 boys, Harvey Ted and Max said:
"The last two years have has been a culmination of a lot of hard work and the realisation of a dream come true. Having first bore witness the spectacle of cycle racing back in the 80's, watching a summit finish on the Gt Orme, I had always wanted to follow in the wheel tracks of those cycling legends. The last two years was a huge success and the demand from riders to run it again was simply too great to say No!. Local businesses have really rallied to the cause and we have two super main sponsors in the form of Tweak Cycles and Delsol"
All proceeds from the event will go towards charity and organisers are hoping to add to the £4000 raised so far for the Ty-Gobaith children’s Hospice in the Conwy Valley.
Racing will start at the Marine Drive toll road, with each lap including a climb up the Great Orme and passing the aptly-named Rest and Be Thankful Café, before descending into Llandudno.
The race headquarters will be at Venue Cymru Theatre. on the promenade opening up from 8am on the day. Participants will be able to sign-on the start sheet and get their goodie bags, containing energy drinks and shakes, as well as their race numbers. Drinks and refreshments will also be available from race HQ during the day and at the Rest and Be Thankful Cafe.
The Junior races start at 9am with three races open to under 16’s and under 14’s.
The Ladies Race and Grand Veterans (open to 50+yrs) starts at 10am and consists of 3 laps. Entry fee is £10.
The Senior race starts at 11am and will consist of 6 laps.
The road closures will be in place for four hours, after which at 1.30pm, all riders and winners will be invited back to Venue Cymru for the presentation of awards and prizes.
See website for more details www.greatormeroadrace.co.uk
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Media enquiries to Matt Ryan at Rhos-on-Sea Cycling Club:
07853237328 | matt_ryan74@hotmail.com
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