By Anwen Francis

One of the most popular local cycling events, The Preseli Angel, celebrates its 10th anniversary this Sunday with a challenging cycle event around Pembrokeshire.

Organised by the local cycling club Velo Teifi, this friendly event that sees 200 cyclists from near and far will commence and end at the Newport Boat Club in Parrog, where finishers will be presented with a special beer, commissioned by the club to celebrate its birthday event.

Velo Teifi chair Graham Dunn, himself a keen cyclist, is looking forward to the event that sees the route providing quiet, fast roads, varied terrain and spectacular coastal and mountain scenery.

“It’s a popular event as it’s relaxed and informal. There are two routes – one of 78 miles and one of 40. Both routes will start together heading for Fishguard, up over the Preseli Mountains and will then split in Crosswell, with the 78 mile route going to Crymych to return via the Gwaun Valley, and the shorter route heading towards Nevern. They are both a good challenge and the 40 mile route is ideal for people taking on their first sportive,” said Graham.

Cyclists will attend this event from all over Wales and parts of England, and Graham believes that the wonderful scenery on our doorstep is a huge attraction.

He said: “People love to do it for the beautiful scenery that we have here and what the Preseli Mountains have to offer. It’s an early Spring event where cyclists who like a challenge can test themselves and meet other like minded cyclists. People enjoy the physicality, they enjoy getting fitter and stronger.

Graham has taken part in the event himself over the years, completing both the 78 and 40 mile route. He says there is no better event.

“If you compare the Preseli Angel to some of the big events where you have up to 15,000 people competing over the same distance, we offer a more interesting challenge but with quieter, safer roads. When the cyclists go past Aunt Bessie’s pub in the Gwaun Valley and reach the top of the hill, they know they’ve faced a huge challenge, but it’s all in a great, relaxed atmosphere,” concluded Graham

For further information, visit velo-teifi.org.uk