There wasn’t quite 1,000 in attendance for Caerphilly town’s world record attempt of most number of cyclists in a line, but plenty still enjoyed the launch of the Welsh stage of the Tour of Britain.
The famous cycle race comes through Caerphilly County Borough on September 14 for its fourth stage of Welshpool to Caerphilly town.
To celebrate the tour’s first appearance in this part of Wales, Caerphilly County Borough Council had hoped to attract 1,000 cyclists to Crescent Road on Monday to break the world record of ‘the longest single line of bicycles’, which stands at 916.
The weather didn’t help, but the event was still a relative success with many members of local cycling clubs and young families heading to the town.
Andrew Haines, 54, joined fellow members of cycling club Cwmcarn Paragon at the record attempt.
He said: “We can’t wait for the Tour of Britain. It’s a tough race but it will be very exciting, we’re going to watch it up at the top of the climb – it’s going to be a gruelling place.”
Ninety-six professional cyclists will make the 182km ride from Welshpoool to the top of Caerphilly Mountain on September 14 as part of stage four of the national race.
The riders are expected in the county borough in the afternoon and will make their way through Nelson, Tredomen, Ystrad Mynach, Llanbradach, Caerphilly town centre and up on to Caerphilly Mountain. The cyclists will then head down into Castle View before ending at Crescent Road near Caerphilly Castle – the scene of Monday’s record attempt.
Councillor Vera Jenkins, Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough said: “I don’t think we got our 1,000 bicycles out today, but maybe next time.”
Her thoughts were echoed by Tour of Britain spokesman Peter Hodges, who said the race could come back to Caerphilly next year.
He said: “There is no reason why we can’t come back, but the Welsh Government would like us to visit lots of places. Everything we have seen so far from Caerphilly, we think it’s a world class backdrop.”
In total, around 70 cyclists made the effort – despite Brace’s Bakery being there with 1,000 free Welsh cakes.
Riders raising cash for the charity have a choice of three levels of stage. The 180km distance is similar to the one that will be ridden by the professional cyclists on September 14 while there is also a 100km course
For more information visit www.tourride.co.uk
What a superb event to publicise the forthcoming Tour of Britain Caerffili finish. Great to see so many young children and adults taking time to witness the launch and have the opportunity to meet rinders who will be taking part and who are dreading the Caerffili Mountain final section after 180k road race from Welshpool.
I wish them all the best and will be cheering on the 14th September hopefully with the rest of Caerffili too.
What a good idea. But is isn't it no surprise it failed? The event was held at 1200 hrs on a Monday, a work day. Perhaps it was held outside working hours there would be a better turnout.