Cycle club prepares for 'Tour of Britain'

As cycling's Tour of Britain hits Powys next month, a newly reformed cycling club in the Severn Valley is preparing to get involved in the amateur version of the event this weekend.

Hafren Cycling Club, which was reformed just six months ago, has already held a successful time trial season and attracted over 50 members from Newtown, Welshpool and Llanidloes.

This weekend the club is involved in the Amateur Tour of Britain as a prelude to the main event next month when Stage Four starts at Powis Castle in Welshpool, heading through the Welsh mountains to Caerphilly in South Wales on Wednesday, 14 September.

“We’ve had a great season and this is going to be a great way to bring it towards a close,” said Hafren CC Events Secretary, Chris Hill. “We’ve been amazed at the response to the reformation of the club back in January with over 50 members actively involved. We’ve established a weekly club meet on Sundays and three time trial routes held weekly throughout the summer.

“More importantly, we’re attracting riders of all ages and abilities interested in cycling.”

Club Secretary, Paul Bufton, added: “Our members have been entering TTs, triathlons and other cycling events throughout the UK, including the London Triathlon just two weeks back. And we’re seeing some really good finish positions in these events. Hafren CC is definitely raising the profile and interest in road cycling in the Severn Valley.”

The Amateur Tour of Britain event will see hundreds of cyclists leave Welshpool’s Maesydre Recreation on Sunday between 7am and 11am as part of a Fun Day organised by Welshpool Town Council in conjunction with the organisers of the Tour of Britain.

Hafren CC is also opening up its club meet at Welshpool on Sunday, 4 September as a Group ‘Road’ Cycle Ride to cyclists of all abilities as part of the lead up to the Tour of Britain. The event starts at 9.30am from The Flash Leisure Centre. Helmets are compulsory.

Details about Hafren CC can be found at www.hafrencc.com.