Pembrokeshire goes “Off the Beaten Track” with new cycling CX Sportive

Cyclists from throughout the UK will descend on Pembrokeshire this autumn for one of Wales’ most exciting cycling CX Sportive events.

Off The Beaten Track Pembrokeshire will provide top flight and cycling enthusiasts with an unrivalled route, scenery and challenges on its 40 miles in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on the 4th October 2015.

Organisers expect over 500 entries for the event which will be based at Bluestone National Park Resort, a luxury short break destination near Narberth, and will include a time trial a day earlier on 3rd October.

The route will take riders on and off road through the surrounding countryside already favoured by both enthusiast and pro-cyclists for its range of terrain and home to the Tour of Pembrokeshire which was staged in the county last month.

"Off The Beaten Track Pembrokeshire is a true crossover sportive in every way," said event organiser, Peter Walker.

"Riders will be heading down hard-packed surfaces one minute, hitting asphalt sections, some of which will be closed, the next and then diving off road to tackle hard climbs. It's a perfect CX Sportive event that will test all abilities."

The 45 mile circular route will start and finish at Bluestone National Park Resort and circumnavigate Llys y Fran Reservoir.

A time trial will be held the day before to categorise riders for the main event. The TT will take place around Bluestone which is acting as the event HQ as well as offering accommodation to competitors, family and supporters over the weekend.

Bluestone is no stranger to cycling events, having hosted several training camps for Olympic gold medal cyclist, Geraint Thomas.

County Council has already backed the event which has attracted sponsors including Brooks England, Sabbath Bicycles, Cyclist Magazine and Bluestone National Park Resort.

"Pembrokeshire has already proved itself as a cycling destination for sporting events and for leisure, so it's great to be involved in Off The Beaten Track," said James McNamara, Leisure Services Manager at Bluestone.　

"We're anticipating a lot of interest locally and from throughout the UK as events such as CX Sportives continue to grow in popularity. It'll attract a large number of visitors to the area, helping boost the local economy, while promoting the area as a superb destination for cycling and the great outdoors."

He added: "We're perfectly positioned to host such an event in Pembrokeshire and particularly here at Bluestone with the facilities and accommodation we can offer competitors and their supporters.

"These include the Well Spa Retreat which is perfect for the pre and post event treatments, sauna and steam rooms and hydrotherapy pool, in addition to the restaurants, Blue Lagoon water park and Adventure Centre."

Details and applications for the Off The Beaten Track CX Sportive can be found at　www.offthebeatentrackpembrokeshire.co.uk. Information for competitors, family and friends about accommodation and facilities at Bluestone can be found at　www.bluestonewales.com.

Only those booked into Bluestone will have access to its all-weather facilities, including the Blue Lagoon water park, Adventure Centre, Well Spa Retreat, restaurants, pub and activities.