Cefn Sidan attracts UK’s only cycle beach race

The Howies Battle on the Beach is set to return to the fantastic venue of Pembrey Country Park and Cefn Sidan Beach on March 22.

Cyclists from all over the world will shoot through war bunker terrain and skim along wreck strewn silky sands in the glorious setting of Pembrey’s Blue Flag winning Cefn Sidan Beach.

Held for the first time in 2014 the cycle event won international acclaim and 2015 is set to be bigger and better. A total of 600 entries were released and all sold within 40 hours.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gower Peninsula and coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay, the event is open to all off-road bicycles and has attracted riders from across Europe, including Belgium and The Netherlands and all corners of the UK. Many professional riders from the continent will also be present, ensuring an extremely high standard of competition.

Carmarthenshire executive board member for leisure services, Cllr Meryl Gravell, said the event organiser Matthew Page was a former county sports personality of the year winner and it was good to see he was introducing people from all over the world so see the county’s glorious assets through his sport. The scenery is breathtaking and the area’s history awe inspiring.

“Cefn Sidan’s silky smooth motorway hard miles of sandy beach and the backcloth of Pembrey Country Park and offering challenging forest and dune trails probably makes it second to none for this kind of event.”

Pembrey’s park and forest was previously a munitions factory that was busy during World War 1 and 2. Riders will have to negotiate former military railway tracks, ride through old tunnels and round pillboxes where the remains of the industry will be clear for all riders to see. The main attraction will be the glorious sands of Cefn Sidan beach creating a truly unique event.

The event will once again hold host to the UK Fat Bike Championships, an event specifically for bikes with tyres that are 4” and above. The large diameter tyres are designed to give float over loose surfaces, including soft sand.

Riders will be under starters orders at midday, with Llanelli, Nia Griffith pulling the trigger to start the race. Being close to low tide, when the sea water will be a way offshore, it means the beach will be rock hard and as fast as the fantastic single track hidden behind the dunes in the pine forest. There will be plenty for the serious racers and more than a few surprises around the course to keep everyone on guard.

Organiser Matthew Page said: “Spectators are welcome and encouraged, with the park remaining open to all visitors.

“It will be an opportunity for people to see some of the best cyclists from across Europe competing on their doorstep; doing battle against one another and the terrain to see who can rule the beach.

“Significant media coverage will follow the event, both from within the cycling industry as well as Welsh press and television. Entry to Pembrey Country Park will be just £2 per car.”