PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK IS TO HOST A MAJOR EVENT

Pembrey Country Park has been selected as the venue to host the first round of the 2016 British Mountain Bike Cross Country Series.

It is the first time that the series will have been hosted in Carmarthenshire with up to 1,000 riders from across the world expected.

The successful bid by A Cycling is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council and Welsh Cycling. It follows a successful series of events this year, run by A Cycling and the incredibly popular “Battle on the Beach” which has become a must-do event at the park.

The council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “This is fantastic news, not only for the park but for Carmarthen shire. To be selected as host for such an elite event is testament to the park diverse natural landscape and attractions.”

With the international governing body awarding UCI Category 2 status, the highest possible for a new venue, it is expected that between 700 and 1000 participants will take part across a number of different races over the event weekend in April.

Also, with 2016 being an Olympic year, the number of overseas riders is likely to be high with some of the fastest riders in the world likely to take part.

Far from being just an Elite event, the British Mountain Bike Series has races for all ages and abilities, from Under 8 to Super Veteran (60+), with some races open to all.

With incredibly fun mountain bike riding within and around the park as well the as fantastic facilities and activities on offer, including the spectacular Blue Flag beach, it will be the perfect venue for families and riders looking to making a weekend of it.

A Cycling’s Matt Page said: “We have been using Pembrey Country Park as a venue for cycling events since 2014, all of which have been a big hit with the riders and are delighted to be able to bring this national level event to Carmarthenshire.”

Entries to the event is likely to open in the New Year. Pic: Anthony Pease Photography