The Wales Sportive

Thank You.

With the majority of the event now on closed roads, The Wales Sportive is the only event of its kind in Wales. Hills? Yes, you will have a few (!) but those breath-taking views, unsurpassed crowds, bouncing feed stations and a finish line that carries you home makes this medal all the more easier to achieve!

The AWE Team

Important Locations

Parking

Itinerary

Registration

Staying Safe

HYBRID ROAD CLOSURES

As you know the community is at the heart of everything that we do at LCW, and we are aware that two days of closures will cause an element of disruption to the local communities. Therefore, we need to open the roads as soon as possible to limit this.

In 2023, we trialled a “hybrid” road closures system which we will be putting in place again for 2024. When the course is very busy and athletes are travelling at speed, the roads will be closed. When there are fewer bikes on the course and the speed is reduced to a safe level, the course will be opened to other road users.

Whilst every effort has been made to close the roads, we cannot guarantee that routes will be totally traffic free and you should ride accordingly. Any athlete that rides approx. 15mph will enjoy most of the course on closed roads. If you are riding slower than this, you will encounter live traffic on the second lap.

Please note, there are also sections on the course where the roads are NOT closed so pay attention to the signage!!

The hybrid system will be introduced from 1pm in Tenby. After 1pm, please expect the roads to be opened at any time, no matter where you are on course. There will be signage on course to inform you of the timings. Please pay attention to those signs.

There is also a section towards the end of the course (just prior to Wisemans Bridge), where cars will be permitted to travel in the direction of bikes. This ends at the entrance to Saundersfoot.

Marshals

Please be advised all marshals are volunteering their time for free and without their assistance we would not be able to put the race on. Please respect marshals. Any abusive behaviour or language will result in immediate disqualification.

It is your responsibility to know the route and to ensure your own safety on course. Marshals are there purely for reference and directional purposes and are not permitted to stop traffic.

Timing & Race Numbers

Timing Chips

You will receive your timing chip at registration. Please attach your timing chip to the LEFT-HAND side of your DRY helmet. Do NOT stick your chip to the foam, reflective strips or transfers as it will not work.

Fitting the UHF Helmet Tag

The UHF helmet tag is used to time your cycle ride and is supplied as a self-adhesive label on a protective backing strip. You will only get one so please read the instructions below carefully before attaching it to your cycle helmet.

1. Before you attach the helmet tag, take a moment to check that the number printed on the tag is the same as the race number you have been issued.

2. The helmet tag should be attached to the LEFT-HAND SIDE of the dry helmet only as illustrated

3. The tag should be positioned as close to horizontal as possible when the helmet is on the head.

4. Peel off the protective backing and position the tag on the suitable part of the helmet.

Waves

The Sportive start is self-ranking. All Athletes will start coming back through the finish line and will be set off in intervals. Faster Cyclists should position themselves at the front and slower cyclists at the back.

The Course

Feed Stations

The first feed station is at 42 miles for the 112 athletes. You are expected to fuel yourself for the event and MUST have 2 full water bottles at the start line.

You will need to bring your own nutrition on course as only water will be supplied.

Rules

• Bikes must be road worthy. They will be checked going into the Start Pen and athletes will not be allowed to start if tyres, brakes or any other part of athletes' equipment is deemed faulty. A puncture repair kit must be carried by ALL athletes.
• Athletes riding TT bikes must ride alone and not in packs, this is due to athlete safety. Anyone with a TT bike caught riding in a pack will be disqualified instantly. Please respect other athletes’ safety.
• Security Pens have been installed on the course this year. Any athletes who have not entered the event will be removed from the road and held until the end of the event.
• Some sections on the course are open. Throughout these sections, please do not ride more than 2 abreast.
• Helmets must be worn and fastened at all times.
• The first feed station is at 42 miles for the 112 and 70-mile athletes. You are expected to fuel yourself for the event and should have 2 full water bottles at the start line.
• Marshals are there for reference points only.
•  Whilst road restrictions are in place, we cannot guarantee the course will be traffic free. You will be made aware when the reopening of roads will take place. After 1pm, the roads will start reopening. Please read the following information about the Hybrid Road Closures.
• Crossing points are in place on the course and bikes will be held to allow traffic to pass at certain times on the course.
• Any abuse of officials, locals or fellow competitors will result in an instant DQ.
• Any littering during the weekend will result in a DQ from all events.
• Event Organisers reserve the right to issue penalties and DQ as they see fit.
• Cut Offs will be enforced at advertised times. All athletes must then head to the finish line or return home on the sweep vehicle.
• It is advised to carry a mobile phone with you at all times should you need assistance on the course.
•  At the finish, any rider who is riding too fast and ignores the marshal’s advice to slow down or is riding dangerously will be DQ. Cut Offs will be enforced at advertised times.
• It is your responsibility to know the route. Failure to follow the route will result in a DQ.

TT BARS / AERO BARS / TRI BARS ARE ALLOWED

TT BIKES ARE ALLOWED BUT ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DRAFT DUE TO ATHLETES SAFETY. ATHLETES DRAFTING WILL RECEIVE AN INSTANT DQ.

Results & Awards

FAQ

If there's something you need to know that isn't covered in this race pack head over to our Frequently Asked Questions page by clicking the link below.

Other Information

Cut Offs 

Cut-offs are in place for athlete safety and marshal welfare. First Cut Off is 1pm for first lap and 5pm for overall.

If you are advised on course by a moto that you will miss the cut off time, we will advise you to take the sweep bus back to Tenby due to roads opening and athlete safety.

If you miss a cut off, you will not be able to go down the red carpet and will be given your medal before the carpet.

Important Information

Your tag will not work if placed on carbon fibre. If you have a carbon fibre helmet or the part of your helmet that you are attaching the tag to is made of carbon fibre, you will need to report to registration to obtain a seat label.

NEVER stick the tag directly onto your bike frame, handlebars, forks, seat posts or components. Your tag will not work as these parts are either made of metal or carbon fiber.

If there are any incidents on the course that enforce a route change, cut offs will be adjusted accordingly.

ALL ATHLETES MUST WRITE YOUR RACE NUMBERS ON YOUR GELS. RANDOM CHECKS WILL BE IN OPERATION AT THE START LINE.

Junior Cyclists

RIDERS UNDER 16 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT ENTERED INTO THE EVENT OR IT WILL BE ASSUMED THEY ARE FIT AND CAPABLE OF COMPLETING THE DISTANCE

Lost Property

Any lost property that has been found will be returned to our HQ. Please contact us after the event to retrieve any items. Local collection will be available or P&P (postage fees will apply).

Property will be kept for 7 days and if not claimed, will be disposed of.