Wiggle Etape Cymru

Rated Event: 100.000%

MissionTree wrote:

Great event, a very challenging course through some great countryside on good roads with little traffic. I experienced no problems with signage which is unusual for me as I normally get a bit lost somewhere (Though I do live locally to the start so that helped). Plenty of food / water / energy powder available at feed stops. Red Kite team were very friendly and helpful. Emergency card with phone number handed out at start. Overall a very well organised event.
https://fountainvalleytreecare.com/

Rated Event: 67.778%

michaeldiver wrote:

disappointed with the route (some terrible road surfaces and , apart from a short section, not as scenic as i'd anticipated). no free food at finish.

Rated Event: 96.667%

wrote:

Really good event. The route is tough, but there are harder sportives about, the real winner for this event are the closed roads and the really great spectators out on the course (and in their gardens) all cheering you on. Makes me smile every time.

Rated Event: 95.556%

JohnEvanJones wrote:

A beautiful and challenging route. Riding closed roads was a special experience.

Rated Event: 96.667%

JonathanJones wrote:

Two things make this sportive stand out: closed roads and the, erm, lumpy route.

First, the roads. For the first few miles from the start most people kept carefully to the left as if expecting a speeding 4x4 to hurtle toward them if they dared to cross the white line. Then the penny dropped, and the beauty of a closed road route dawned on everyone: pelotons can be several riders abreast, overtaking is never restricted by traffic and, best of all, you can take the highest speed line line on blind corners during descents.

The ride is largely on single lane back roads. That works well - few of the natural lumps in the landscape are smoothed out, giving a lot of short, reassuringly sharp climbs. The narrow roads and often uneven surface also made the descents more fun, especially for anyone with a slight leaning towards the MTB.

There's essentially no flat riding on the route. The whole ride is either an ascent or a descent, and that's a massive plus if you love hills and hate tedious flat bits. If you don't like hills, don't go - but you knew that anyway.

As expected, the scenery was stunning. with plenty of craggy hills and panoramic vistas. We had to look out for sheep on the roads, but that's Wales for you!

Organisation was fantastic, with the only slight problem being traffic delays getting into the site. Feed stations were ridiculously frequent, well stocked and with manageable queues.

I'd expected the locals to feel grumpy about road closures, but, instead of being sulkily trapped in their houses, many people stood in their gardens and cheered as we went by. If you're reading this, thank you!

The day was a huge success. It's been added to my list of 'must do' rides for next year.

Rated Event: 96.667%

wrote:

Fantastic event absolutely brilliant. Already looking forward to next week.

Rated Event: 95.556%

MarkD wrote:

My 1st sportive, and what an introduction. It's on my doorstep so it was a no brainer to enter. I will certainly be back again on the closed roads, what a great experience. This event showcases cycling, the charities, the area and GB in general as a 1st class sporting and activities venue. Long may it continue.

Rated Event: 97.778%

Herbie wrote:

In its third year, and my third ride - so it must be doing something right. In fact a ride that had potential in year one and is now definitely one of the best on the calendar. Absolutely beautiful area that has been little visited before. Well run, and the HQ at Bangor-is-y-coed race course works really well - great to be able to get some food and a beer, a massage, and just somewhere to reflect on the event.

Rated Event: 100.000%

RichardBaxter wrote:

This was an absolutely outstanding event and the professionalism and friendliness of all involved was second to none. Definitely be back next year - will go for a time rather than just to finish !!!

Rated Event: 96.667%

PaulPaton wrote:

Amazing Days Riding in stunning Welsh Hills topped by riding on closed roads. Can't wait for next year.

Rated Event: 66.667%

bob wrote:

What a crap route. Single lane roads / tracks with poor surface, loads of gravel, and low visibility so really dangerous for descending, I had to do emergency stops for sheep and crashed cyclists, or cyclists that had no idea how to descend.

I've never seen a sportif with so many cyclists stopped for punctures, another testament to the poor route choice.

And having to waste half a day to pick up the timing chip the day before was very annoying. Why couldn't you post it out like nearly every other sportif?

Avoid.

Rated Event: 86.667%

MarkWhitmore wrote:

Fantastic event, well organised, great route. My 2nd time and will be back next year.
Parking and toilets were minor 'niggles' in the scheme of things.

Rated Event: 98.889%

wrote:

Absolutely superb day's riding on closed roads, which where marshaled extremely well, will certainly return.

Rated Event: 100.000%

wrote:

One of the best run sportives around. The route is fantastic and the closed roads make it something special.

Rated Event: 96.667%

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: 85.556%

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: 96.667%

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: 87.778%

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: 92.222%

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: 97.778%

Sean.Lacey wrote:

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