Caerphilly's cycling world record attempt flops

Never try to break an outdoor cycling world record on a rainy Monday…in Caerphilly.

That might be the lesson to be learned from an attempt to set a new Guinness record for the longest chain of cyclists ever, which failed when only around 150 riders turned up, leaving the organisers some way short of the 1000 or so they needed.

The event, which we previewed here on road.cc, was part of the Tour of Britain promotional launch as Caerphilly prepares for its role next month as the destination for the race's 182km fourth stage which starts in Welshpool.

Vicky Rogers, of Tour of Britain, told the South Wales Echo: “It’s a great turnout especially because of the weather. It’s a real shame that the record wasn’t broken but it’s all about getting involved and getting people to know about the tour.”

Caerphilly Borough Council too, put a brave face on things. Cllr Ron Davies, said: “This special launch event really helped to whet people’s appetites ready for the main event next month. 

“With the finale of the fourth stage of the race set against the backdrop of Caerphilly’s magnificent castle, this is a real opportunity to showcase Caerphilly county borough to a worldwide audience, and I would love to see our residents turning out in force to welcome the 96 Tour of Britain riders to our county borough on 14th September”.

The Tour of Britain takes place over eight days and nine stages this year, with the inclusion of an individual time trial in central London on the final day of the race. It is the UK's largest free-to-spectate live sporting event begins in Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Sunday, September 11, finishing in London on Whitehall on Sunday, September 18.