New Etape Cymru Sportive Announced

Posted Monday 25th April 2011 –

A new closed roads sportive, the Etape Cymru, is to take place in Wales on the 9th October. This event is only the second fully closed road event within the UK and has only been possible through the full support of the Wrexham Council, Denbighshire Council, Welsh Assembly Government and North Wales Tourism.

The planned route is set at 100 miles with a total ascent of 6191ft which starts and finishes in Wrexham and passes through the Clwydian Range (An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The route takes in several well known climbs such as Horseshoe Pass, The Shelf, The Garth and Worlds End.

With the UK only really having one other event that takes place on closed public roads (the Etape Caledonia) it’s this aspect of the event that should provide the main highlight. It has been agreed with Wrexham & Denbighshire Council that the roads will remain closed for all entrants achieving a minimum of 12mph.

The Etape Cymru is being organised in partnership with British Cycling with entry prices being set at £65 for non British Cycling Members with British Cycling Members paying a discount £53. Entry Deadline is the 16th August, 2011 with entries limited to 3500 riders. Entrants will receive a goodie bag (inc. a gilet with an rrp £20) and free British Cycling Ride membership for non members.

We’re guessing some may baulk at the high entry cost but road closures don’t come cheap and it’s one of the few opportunities in the UK to ride a sportive event of this scale on truly traffic free roads.