An ambitious new mountain bike event is coming to Mid and North Wales next summer following the launch of Wales360 at Aberystwyth Cycle Festival on Saturday.
The event, which will be held from July 22–29, 2019, is the brainchild of SweetSpot Group, organisers of events such as the OVO Energy Tour of Britain. Wales360 will challenge riders and reward them with a truly unique mountain biking adventure.
Starting and finishing at Aberystwyth University, the event will take in the terrain of the Snowdonia National Park,Ceredigion, Denbighshire, Conwy and Powys. Wales360 is supported by the Welsh Government, Welsh Cycling and the host counties.
Event partners include Aberystwyth University, mbwales.com, Skoda, Keep Wales Tidy, Natural Resources Wales, Snowdonia National Park, Girlguiding Cymru and Scouts Cymru.
Although Wales360 is a brand new event, Wales is already firmly established as a world class mountain biking destination, with its trails and natural riding regularly named among the UK’s best.
Wales360 celebrates the superb mountain biking and everything Wales has to offer in an event similar to the legendary Cape Epic, making it another of world’s ‘must do’ off-road challenges.
Wales360 is a six-day cross country mountain bike ride. A genuine point to point ride, it traces a challenging 550 kilometre route around Mid and North Wales.
“We are delighted to be bringing Wales360 to the hills, forests and countryside of Wales in 2019,” said Hugh Roberts, SweetSpot Group’s executive chairman.
“A challenge for the 500 participants, we’ll see them cycling over 90 kilometres a day for six days, supporting each other in teams of two. Wales360 will be a real celebration of off-road cycling and all that Wales has to offer.”
The event is expected to appeal to not only experienced mountain bikers with an interest in cross country riding and endurance events, but also to those with a moderate amount of experience on a mountain bike who enjoy pushing themselves to the limit.
Ambassadors Richard Parks and Lowri Morgan were on hand to introduce the event to the industry, partners and invited guests in Aberystwyth.
“Wales has some of the best adventure terrain, facilities and mountain biking trails on the planet,” said Parks. “From the longest to the highest, I’ve been privileged to experience some of the world’s best off road cycling routes. I’m proud to be part of Wales360 and super excited to race in the inaugural event in 2019. It’s going to be awesome!”
Morgan added: “Wales360 is going to provide an opportunity for mountain bikers and adventure enthusiasts to set themselves a challenge. More and more people are pushing themselves outside their comfort zone to achieve great things and we look forward to seeing our inaugural Wales360 riders reaching the finish line in July next year.”
Minister for Culture Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:
“I’m delighted that the Welsh Government is supporting this event. It promises to be an exciting six days and a great showcase for Wales’ magnificent landscapes and the adventures which can be had here.
“It’s also a great event for our Year of Discovery in 2019 as participants will have the opportunity to see more of Wales and our world class trails – as well as discovering what they can achieve during this endurance event next year.”
Chief executive of Welsh Cycling, Anne Adams-King said:
“To bring a large-scale event like Wales360 to Wales will be an incredible opportunity to not only further showcase the beauty that Wales has to offer as a world class mountain bike destination, but also inspire others to get involved to try the discipline.
“We look forward to seeing the event unfold next year and supporting the riders as they compete in the first of many Wales360s!”
More information on route details and how to enter were announced at the launch and are now available online at www.wales360.com
