CYCLISTS TO BATTLE IT OUT ON THE BEACH

Ticket lines are due to open soon for the UK’s only cycle beach race at Pembrey Country Park and Cefn Sidan.

Riders are being urged to book early on January 1 following last year’s sell out event when 600 entries released were snapped up within 40 hours of the lines opening making it one of the biggest off-road cycle events in the UK.

The two-day event on March 19 and 20 is expected to attract cyclists from all over the world with many professional riders present, ensuring an extremely high standard of competition. Cyclists will race through the golden sands of Pembrey’s Blue Flag Cefn Sidan Beach before crossing through the challenging pine forestry negotiating with railway tracks and WWI tunnels.

New for this year is Battle in the Dark which takes place on the Saturday evening and is a one lap course time-trial held during darkness. A youth race for ages 12-16 years will also be held on the same day at 4pm. Again, youth races will take place on Sunday morning at 10am before the main event, Battle on the Beach, begins at 12pm.

Executive board member for leisure services, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “This popular event will provide an opportunity to see some of the best cyclists across Europe ride through Cefn Sidan’s miles of sandy beach and Pembrey Country Park’s challenging forest.”

Weekend camping packages are available and can be booked via www.battleonthebeach.co.uk

Organiser Matt Page of A Cycling said: “We are delighted that Battle on the Beach is returning to the spectacular setting of Pembrey Country Park. The event was a huge success in 2015, selling out in just 40 hours and attracted riders from across the UK and Northern Europe. With even more planned for 2016, we are hoping it will be bigger and better than ever!”

Spectators are welcome and encouraged, with the park remaining open to all visitors.