← The Wales Sportive

This event was organised superbly from start to finish. All required kit is provided in registration in advance (helmet stickers, bike label, race tattoos etc...) along with course maps. Waves are allocated, but it is essentially a rolling start. It's worth noting that TT-bikes have to go in their own wave due to safety, and as such road bikes with clip-on bars need to remove them before starting... luckily, the friendly mechanics were able to help me with that, and returned them to me at the finish! 

The course is challenging, but personally, the ascents and descents kept the ride interesting. There are 5-6 climbs, the worst of which are at the end of the lap as you return to Tenby, but at least there is a great 2-mile downhill stretch to the finish from there. Road surfaces are good, the course is well signposted and marshalled, and there is plenty of support in the form of motorcycle officials and first responders. This was adequately demonstrated when a participant unfortunately suffered a medical emergency on one of the hills. The riders were stopped, road closed, the ambulance attended, and an alternative route sought for the event to continue all within approximately 20minutes.

The finish into Tenby was incredible with people lining the streets and cheering, followed by a great medal, water, free Dominos pizza and Erdinger after crossing the line. Highly recommended event, as a stand-alone or as part of the Long Course Weekend.