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Yesterday over 1,700 cyclists took on the closed roads of North Wales for the Wiggle Etape Cymru 2013. 

Starting off from Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse in Wrexham, the route covered 88 miles of Denbighshire countryside and took in some of the steepest climbs in the region, reinforcing the event's reputation as the toughest closed-road sportive in the UK. 

1,700 cyclists took on the spectacular closed roads of North Wales (Image: Matthew Alexander, Human Race.)

Fantastic conditions on the day meant that participants had clear views of the Clwydian Range (an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and were joined on the climbs by energetic spectators. 

Spectators turned out in good numbers to support the riders along the 88 mile route (Image: Matthew Alexander, Human Race.)

Following the 2012 edition's success, this year's event received additional support from the Welsh Assembly as part of its Major Events Strategy. Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, said: "Year on year, the Wiggle Etape Cymru gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase the spectacular scenery and hospitality of North Wales." 

The route took in some of the steepest climbs in the region (Image: Matthew Alexander, Human Race.)

She continued: "Following the success of this year's event we hope to be welcoming back previous participants as well as newly inspired entrants as we continue to support Human Race and the event itself next year and beyond." 

Fantastic weather conditions on the day meant that participants and spectators alike enjoyed some fantastic views (Image: Matthew Alexander, Human Race.)

The Wiggle Etape Cymru was also supported by Welsh Team Sky rider and double Olympic gold medalist Geraint Thomas, who sent his congratulations to the 1,700 participants that successfully completed the course: "I've ridden the course myself and often train around the North Wales countryside. It's a beautiful part of the world but it's also really challenging terrain to ride on - the likes of Horseshoe Pass, The Shelf and The World's End are tough climbs for even the strongest of riders and I take my hat off to everyone that's completed the route." 

Horseshoe Pass, The Shelf and The World's End were amongst the climbs tackled by participants (Image: Matthew Alexander, Human Race.)

Aside from the success of the riders, the event was a logistical success too thanks to the support from Wrexham and Denbighshire Councils in closing the roads on the route for extra safety - a rare experience for sportive riders.  All participants were treated to extensive support whilst they tackled the course, and the expert network of support staff included a medical crew, motorcycle stewards, marshals and a broom wagon to collect any riders who could not complete the distance. 

The event received backing from Wrexham and Denbighshire Councils, providing the ultimate closed-road experience (Image: Matthew Alexander, Human Race.)

Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race, commented; "Last year's event was a great success and we knew it would require a lot of hard work and co-operation with the local councils to ensure we matched that again here. With the additional support of the Welsh Assembly, we have been able to make the 2013 Wiggle Etape Cymru the most successful yet." 

For further information on the event, please visit http://www.etape-cymru.co.uk.