The Wiggle Etape Cymru is coming to North East Wales on September 8th. It is one of the UK’s hardest cycle routes, stretching 92 miles. It is a closed road cycling event and a feat of remarkable endurance. Contestants come from all over the UK to take part in the gruelling cycle event that involves severe, steep climbs.
Besides being an impressive display of athletic excellence it is a chance to cycle in the beautiful, rugged welsh landscape. Denbighshire, where much of the race takes place, is keen to become a centre for athletic cycling. The route will require a great deal of determination and fortitude from its riders.
Geraint Thomas is the ambassador for the Wiggle Etape Cymru and his advice to riders is to make sure they know the route very well. If the riders are familiar with the route they can better plan when to conserve energy for the steep climbs.
Let’s take a look at the route!
There will be six food stands positioned throughout the cycle route. It will be important for riders to know exactly where these are. The stands can provide riders with bananas for energy and vitamins, drinks to combat dehydration and salted potatoes for a slow release of energy throughout the race.
The cycle race will begin at Bangor on Dee racecourse; the riders will head in the direction of Rhos and up to Panorama Walk.
The participants will then head towards the Horseshoe Pass and a 10 mile gradual ascent, followed by a decent into Graigfechan.
At this stage in the race it will not be long until the riders encounter The Shelf. It is only the second steepest ascent on the route at 4 miles in length.
Heading in the direction of Minera they will then face the steepest climb of the race as they head up 1,410ft.
A sharp descent, which will seem like a relief after the painful climb, will bring them back on Panorama Walk. The last stretch of the race is a gradual descent back to Bangor.
