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Etape Cymru bounces back to deliver a hilly challenge for 1,200 riders

2011 event marred by complaints, now taken over by Human Race

When the Etape Cymru relaunched this year, its new organisers promised to deliver an event free of chaos, after 2011's event attracted stinging criticism over organisation and safety.

And it seems they did it - on Sunday 1,200 cyclists took to the roads of North Wales to complete the hilly challenge.

Riders covered 92 miles on closed roads and took in over 3000m of climbing, taking in tough climbs such as The Horseshoe Pass, The Garth and Worlds End.

Olympic medallist and Wrexham local, Chris Bartley, rode the event and was the first to cross the finish line, hand in hand with a friend.

Bartley became the first Welsh Olympic medallist at London 2012 with silver in the lightweight rowing men's four and used cycling as a key part of his Olympic preparations.

Speaking after the event, Bartley seemed very impressed with the day. “The Etape Cymru was a brilliant event and the whole day was a great experience. It was lovely to see so many people out on their bikes enjoying the Welsh countryside."

He continued: "Even with all the training, it was a tough day in the saddle, so it was nice to relax in the event village after the ride and chat to other participants.”

This year the ride was managed by experienced event organisers, Human Race, with support from Wrexham and Denbighshire Councils to allow the road closures.

They took comments from the 2011 event, providing support at the start and finish, signing and marshaling on the course, mechanical assistance and well-stocked feed stations.

Hannah White, who took part in the Etape Cymru, said: “It was definitely a tough ride and we were really glad to have the roads to ourselves, giving us space to take things at our own speed – and stop for a breather every now and again.”

Entries for Etape Cymru 2013 are now open. To enter or for more information visit Etape Cymru.

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6 comments

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issacforce | 11 years ago
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Wot about the rider who was hit near the finish line by a car ( not closed road in my opinion )

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simonkenyon | 11 years ago
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thereandbackagain | 11 years ago
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It's great to see that they've managed to turn this event around after the problems of the first year.

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Adders69 | 11 years ago
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Fantastic event - really good.

Must mention that the residents of the villages that the route passed through should be recognised - the closed roads were almost immaculately observed, but more than that the crowds at the road-side cheering on and encouraging the riders was my real highlight of the day. So thanks to all the spectators as well as the organisers for putting on such a great event. As above ... chapeau!

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richardp | 11 years ago
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Loved it. Impressive organisation and no better place to have done it. I've done the Fred and dragon this year but enjoyed the etape the most! Chapeau!

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Cooks | 11 years ago
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I rode this. It was superb!

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