The Trans Cambrian Cyclo Sportive 2009

The Cambrian Mountains form the spine of central Wales. With peaks of around 500m-600m, and hidden valleys holding reservoirs of clear water, it is a region of outstanding natural beauty. The winding roads that cross these mountains see a relatively small amount of traffic, making ideal cycling country.

The Trans Cambrian Cyclo Sportive is a road cycling event that traverses these mountains, starting from the old market town of Rhayader, and taking a roller coaster route past Llyn Clywedog and the Star Inn down to Machynlleth and the sea. From here it snakes back through the mountains via Nant-y-Moch reservoir, Devil’s Bridge, and the 100yr old Elan Valley dams, finishing back in Rhayader town centre.
It is 87 miles long, the highest point is 509m, and the lowest point is just 6m above sea level.

Entries
Entries are now open and will close when numbers reach the limit of 500 riders. You can enter online, or you can download an entry form and send it off with a cheque in the post.

Start/Finish, Parking, Toilets
The Start/Finish is at Rhayader Smithfield on North Street. It will be open from 7.00 am on the day. There is a limited amount of parking at the start. Other car parks can be found at Rhayader Town Football Club, St. Harmon Rd., The Triangle, and the Elan Valley Trail. There are toilets at the St. Harmon Rd. car park, and near the Triangle car park in Cwmdauddwr.

Start Times
Registration begins at 7.30am on Sunday. Starting is from 7.30am to 9.30am. You can set off whenever you are ready.

Showers and changing
We do not have changing facilities, but Rhayader Leisure Centre is just across the road from the Start/Finish, and for £1 they will let you shower after your ride.

Accommodation
Mid Wales is a rural area with a limited amount of accommodation available. Make sure you book your accommodation early. You can find places to stay on www.visitwales.co.uk or www.midwalestourism.co.uk. We recommend camping at the Wyeside Caravan Park in Rhayader ( www.wyesidecamping.co.uk Tel. 01597 810183 ). It is situated in a lovely spot down by the river at the edge of town. It is only ½ mile from the Start/Finish and the town centre, and has good showers, toilets and laundry facilities.

Bike Preparation
Your bike needs to be geared to suit climbs of up to 15%. So bottom gear should be, say, 39/27 or 34/23. Likewise, there are some long, steep descents. So fit a new set of brake blocks for the event. There are some stretches of narrow lanes, flanked by thorn hedges. It is, therefore, essential that you take spare tubes, a puncture kit and a reliable pump with you. Or better still, consider fitting Schwalbe Stelvio Race Guard tyres.

What to take with you
Apart from the few things mentioned above, take a basic tool kit, maybe a spare pair of brake blocks, water or energy drink, some bars or bananas, and appropriate clothing. Remember that you are going up to over 500m.

Massage
Massage will be available at the Finish from about 2.00pm onwards. The cost of a 10 - 15 minute session is £5, payable at the time.

Feeding Stations
''There will be 2 Feeding Stations located at Machynlleth and The Arch. There will also be a cooked meal at the Finish.

Course Marking
The course will be fully marked with black arrows on a yellow background. CAUTION signs are placed at particularly tricky parts of the route. Take heed of them.

Broom Wagon
A broom wagon will bring up the rear for use in emergencies. It will be carrying a small amount of spares, food and water.

Bike Shop
The bike shop will be open on both the Saturday and the Sunday from 9.00am to 5.30pm.

Beware of
Steep descents and sharp corners.
Cattle-grid on a corner at Nant-y-Moch ( very slippery in the wet ).
Oncoming traffic on narrow roads.
Road junctions.
Fellow riders.

Awards

	Men	Women
Gold	4hrs 58min	5hrs 17min
Silver	5hrs 27min	5hrs 48min
Bronze	6hrs 13min	6hrs 42min

	Men 50+	Women 50+
Gold	5hrs 7min	5hrs 26min
Silver	5hrs 37min	6hrs 0min
Bronze	6hrs 27min	6hrs 58min

	Men 60+	Women 60+
Gold	5hrs 17min	5hrs 37min
Silver	5hrs 48min	6hrs 13min
Bronze	6hrs 42min	7hrs 15min

Finisher Men - 8hrs Women - 8hrs 30min