World Mountain Biking Champion siblings Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton, have today [Friday 23 August] opened Dyfi Bike Park after securing a £2 million commercial mortgage from HSBC UK.
The 650-acre site falls from the 666m peak at Tarren y Gesail and was originally used as a practice track for the siblings. However, over the last four years, the Atherton’s, who have won eight World Championships and 49 World Cup competitions between them, have built four new tracks where young riders and enthusiasts can train alongside World Cup racers.
After realising the huge potential at the site, the siblings wanted to take full ownership of the park to create a destination suitable for training the next generation of British mountain-bikers and meet the ever-growing demand for weekend adventure. Dyfi Bike Park’s vertical drop, long runs and varied terrain will provide an exciting addition to the UK’s riding scene.
Commenting on the launch of Dyfi Bike Park, Dan Atherton, said:
“I had always dreamt of finding a forest with this much potential, for the past four years we’ve been working here with the permission of the landowner to create some of the most diverse tracks you can imagine. It’s always been important for us to push the boundaries of the sport and to be in charge of our own destiny; thanks to our Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, Partho Bose, we now have complete control over the Bike Park’s future.”
Stephen Peart, Area Director for Business Banking, HSBC UK, said:
“The Atherton family have been extremely successful in world mountain biking. All three siblings share the same passion and desire to help nurture the future talent of British riders and the park will provide them with the space and resources to do this. HSBC UK was committed to supporting the family to help realise their ambitions and we wish them the best for the future.”
The funding is part of HSBC UK’s £550 million lending fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales.
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