Merlin Sportive
The Merlin Sportive 2013
This a charity challenge ride which uses some of the best roads in Carmarthenshire including the famous climb and decent of the Black Mountain.
The main aims of this event are:
- To raise money for the three nominated charities (Macmillan Cancer Support , Ty Hafan, Wales Air Ambulance & Prostate Cancer)
- To promote cycling as a physical exercise intended to enhance a healthy lifestyle, increasing health fitness and wellbeing
- To promote Carmarthenshire and the Gardens as a tourist attraction
- To promote safe and responsible cycling on the highway and raise the profile of cycling as a safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Full route details will be published in a few weeks time, however 24 mile route used in 2012 no longer exists and the two new routes do not go over Black Mountain. All four routes link together at Llangadog.
For further details and to enter the 2013 event please visit http://www.merlinsportive.co.uk/
The event is hosted at the magnificent National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. With direct access off the A48 trunk road access could not be easier. There is a large free car park and changing/ toilet facilities. The garden also has a Café which will be open early on the morning of the event for refreshments.
We feel very privileged to be working with the National Botanic Garden of Wales, it is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and riders will be impressed at the facilities available. All we ask is that you respect the gardens and what they stand for.
Please remember a sportive is not a race but a fun cycling day out. All of the routes represent a significant challenge and you are advised to study the profiles carefully before registering for the ride of your choice. Be warned the Merlin Ride (105 miles) is intended to be a significant challenge, you should not attempt this unless you have a high level of fitness. You have been warned!
Post event:
I am delighted to inform you all that the Merlin Ride 2012, was seen by the vast majority, as a complete success. The weather this year was kind to us allowing everyone to enjoy a great day out on the bike
I need to express my gratitude to the following:
Dyfed Powys Police provided fantastic mobile policing support. Without the support of Dyfed Powys Police the event would not be possible.
Carmarthen and District Motor Cycle Club, who provided civilian motor cycle escort.
All the feed station staff and marshalls who all performed well with smiles on their faces.
Jane Davidson, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for the Environment.
Mark James, Chief Executive Carmarthenshire County Council.
Colin Charvis, Ex Captain Wales Rugby Union Team.
Our sponsors Fusion are the Health and Fitness Clubs of Carmarthenshire County Council and are located at Carmarthen, Llanelli, Ammanford and New Castle Emlyn. The sports facilities available are second to none and certainly worth visting now to fully prepare yourself for next years ride.
Please note ‘Merlin Sportive’ red event T’ shirts are still available at a cost of £10 Please contact County Cycles to buy yours.
