A final year BA Graphic Communications student from Newbridge has designed the medal that will be given out to 15,000 cyclists as they cross the finishing line at the inaugural Velothon Wales.
Starting in Cardiff and taking riders on a scenic 140km route through Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Monmouthshire, Velothon Wales will take place on Sunday June 14. There will also be a shorter, less challenging 50km route on the same day.
Twenty-four-year-old Simone Williams will be taking part as an event volunteer to hand out medals to cyclists as they cross the finishing line on the day. Simone’s winning design was selected via the Velothon Wales Facebook page and attracted more than 1,200 votes.
Her Art-Deco style design incorporates elements of Welsh culture including a dragon and daffodil petal, merged with a cyclist and bike rings to create a feeling of motion and speed.
Speaking about her design, Simone said: “I researched lots of medals including the ones used at the Winter Olympics in Sochi and from other cycling events across the world. I also wanted to acknowledge Wales’ contribution to the Industrial Revolution, therefore I included the bike cog in the design which creates a mechanical look.
“I wanted to capture movement, excitement and passion in my design and emphasise the challenge of the route using the Welsh dragon.
“I’m really chuffed to have won the competition which allows me to be part of such a huge and significant event for Wales. It’s going to be amazing to see thousands of cyclists taking part and I’m definitely going to be cheering them across the finishing line.”
Andy Taylor, event director of Velothon Wales, said: “Simone should be really proud of her fantastic achievement. Her medal will be an amazing memento for the 15,000 riders who are taking part in the first ever Velothon Wales this summer.
“It’s been really exciting to work with the University of Glamorgan and we would like to pass on a huge thank you to all the students who took the time to submit their designs. All of the entries we had were strong, but it was Simone’s unique design that really captured the hearts and minds of our social media followers.
“We are really looking forward to putting on a fantastic event that will make Wales proud and seeing thousands of people come out to support the cyclists along the route.”