Etape Cymru

Rated Event: 96.7%

MattCope wrote:

by far the best sportif that i have had the pleasure opf riding
not only was the parcours superb, but the roads were excellently marshalled by the volunteers and other staff, and i felt exceptionally safe throughout the entire closed course.
the feed stops were also excellently managed and stocked and registration was a breeze.
back next year fa sure!

Rated Event: 85.6%

HelenNicholls wrote:

Brilliant event. Really well organised. Nice support at feed stations - very friendly. particuarly liked random portaloos on course - as a lady rider not as easy to stop and pee at side of road like blokes do so a few portaloos on the way and not just at feed stations (which are full of smelly men!) are much appreciated.

Other comment would be to expand on horseshoe pass challenge idea i.e. top age group times across male/female. Top teams of 5 inc 1 women etc etc to get people really competing up climbs as unless you know your in top few men/women you dont really bother but if their were more disciplines it would make it great fun!

No pasta at end of race :(

Thanks for a great event and the lovely supportive marshalls

Bringing all my friends to do next year.

Rated Event: 96.7%

GarethJames wrote:

An outstanding ride taking in some beautiful scenery and some excellent climbs to get the heart rate going! A big success and I'm already looking forward to Etape Cymru 2013. If your considering taking part then don't hesitate just do it for the experience of a closed road event.

Rated Event: 87.8%

SimonHogg wrote:

Don't see need to drive miles to collect an envelope with the number in and the climbing was much less than advertised. Closed roads were excellent although the roads were quite poor in places on the way out and back. On the whole very good. I went from definately not doing again to quite possibly doing again.

Rated Event: 92.2%

Craignicol wrote:

a big thanks need to go out to the volenteers and the locals for getting behind the event and being a massive support on the day, thanks for having us Wales!
excelleent event definately riding again next year.

Very dissapointed about the cycling top, rip off at £65.00 not bigger sizes than large and zipfit selling tops in the car park much better quality for £23.00

I went to the tour of britain the next day their top £40.00 Take note. to compete this weekend cost me over £250.00, so pls post out your packs i drove for 4 hrs and had to stay over night to pick it up.!

Rated Event: 97.8%

Sean.Lacey wrote:

As per our review, the event it should have been last year. Cracking, and can only get better!

Rated Event: 98.9%

PeterJones wrote:

As a local I ride these roads weekly, but to ride the route
on closed roads gave a whole new feeling to the quality of the
event. I'll just have to remember to stop at the junctions next
weekend.
Well done to all involved.

Rated Event: 96.7%

wrote:

Fabulous event. stunning area, great course, excellent crowds - couldn;t really be much better. Wil definitly be back next year.

Rated Event: 96.7%

Hipster wrote:

A well organised event with great support all round helped out with registration problem At the last moment. Defiantly try another sportive arranged by these guys.

Rated Event: 97.8%

MarkWhitmore wrote:

First time riding a sportive for me and its going to take some beating! I live locally and had checked the route out in advance and knew its was hard but good. On the day however the perfect weather just made it stunning.
The organization behind the race was so good that I felt like I was taking part in something really special. Marshalls, outriders, enthusiastic spectators, well stocked feed stations and the buzz of racing on closed roads for the first time made this the highlight of my cycling year!
I will be entering as many closed road events as adder available next year but think they will all have their work cut out to match up to Etape Cymru 2012. A big thanks to all involved

Rated Event: 95.6%

RobMcGregor wrote:

What a difference a year makes! This year's event superb from start to finish. From the friendly and efficient marshals, the fantastic scenery to take your mind off the climbs, and the best food stops on any event. Special thanks to the bacon butty and the Welsh rarebit food stop crews. I burned 3200cals,but may have eaten more than that on route.
The only downsides for me were a two hour round trip to collect a number, and the long toilet queue at 6.30am. Despite that, the venue was a massive improvement on last year.. Really good, friendly atmosphere.
Overall, a great day. Thanks to everyone involved. Hope to be back next year.

Rated Event: 100.0%

edamesbury wrote:

A professionally organised event on a great course - even the sun shone!

Rated Event: 97.8%

andrewjarvis wrote:

My first sportive and I know that it is going to be hard to beat. The whole event from start to finish was a great expereince and I've recommended it to my friends for next year. I'll give full marks next year if there are more catering options - the massage this year was great value and very welcome!

Rated Event: 100.0%

StuartBurbidge wrote:

Stunning route and fantastic day!! Feed stops were excellent, welsh rabbit was amazingly welcome in the face of far to much sugar based snacks! The support from the locals was one of the best things about the day, stunned to get that many cheers as we all went through. One to be proud of!!

Rated Event: 100.0%

NatalieCooper wrote:

It was a great course, challenging with beautiful scenery. All of the event team, marshalls, food stations etc were brilliant. I was amazed at how many local people came out to support everyone, they were fantastic!

Rated Event: 98.9%

StephenDymock wrote:

Excellent ride. I was most impress by the support of all the locals cheering on the side of the road especially as their roads had been closed for out benefit, also a huge thanks to all the marshals for doing a great job. Only minor criticism I'd have is on some of the fast sections a bit of warning of the sharpest bends would have been useful.

Rated Event: 100.0%

aneurinrowlands wrote:

Didn't know what to expect as I have never done a sportive before, bought my first road bike in April, seen this event thought it was something to aim for, plus raise money for charity. This has given me the cycling bug, found it hard but got through it. Hope they don't change the course to much for next year, as I want to beat my time that wasn't really good enough. found the climbs the shelf and worlds end hard going. With all the attention being on the horseshoe pass I thought the worsed was behind me, my was I wrong. Going to do more mountain training for next year. People where friendly, great food stations and the marshals where excellent. Be back next year

Rated Event: 97.8%

wrote:

gave this a second chance after riding the 2011 attempt. The new management have brought this sportive right up there with the best. Top event, great route and faultless support from the marshals and staff. As must for the calendar.

Rated Event: 96.7%

Mark Hampson wrote:

Fantastic day well organised route loved it thank you

Rated Event: 100.0%

seannoble wrote:

What an absoloute change around from last year, 100% more professional. Start off was superb instead of the mass start last year, marshalls very friendly and helpful, signage clear and well laid out and plenty of food and drinks at the feed stations which is a massive improvement.
The route changed from last year, with the ommision of Garth hill, the Horseshoe Pass earlier on in the course and Worlds End the opposite direction.
Being closed roads which were very well enforced (although a couple of cars got through but were caught by motorbike outriders) made for confident fast descents which made up for the Brutal climbs.
I was a little slower (7.45) than last years (7.20) event but I put that down to not doing nearly half as much training for this years event.
I will be back next year aiming for a sub 7hr, so think I best get myself on the hills a lot more!!!