The last weekend of May will mark the return of Aberystwyth Cycle Festival - now entering its fifth successful year - as four action packed days are planned between May 22 and 25.

The main feature will be the return of ITV4’s Pearl Izumi Tour Series, a professional race with 60 of the UK’s top road cyclists battling it out around the streets of Aberystwyth.

Popular events first introduced last year - the Constitution Hill mountain bike downhill race, and the Welsh Wild West Sportive road ride - will also return, after their addition helped draw over 12,000 spectators.

Other events include the popular local schools races, followed by a Town v Gown adult fun race and later the Aberystwyth Seafront Criteriums for serious amateur riders. “It’s important to us that there is something for everyone with AberCycleFest –no matter how experienced, or how old,” said Shelley Childs, who helps organise the race.

AberCycleFest has grown to become one of the most well regarded celebrations of cycling in the country, and Festival organisers receive enquiries from cyclists and spectators from all over the UK.

Shelley Childs explains why the national reach of AberCycleFest means so much to him: “As an enthusiastic local cyclist myself, it excites me to think about the pull of Ceredigion to cyclists from Cornwall to Scotland, as well as everywhere in between. It has gained a real reputation as an event to attend in the cycling calendar.

“We have purposely created all routes of our Wild West Sportive within the boundaries of Ceredigion, as we see this as a unique selling point. The county has so much potential as a cycling destination, something that we are keen to promote.”

A special evening at the National Library of Wales will launch this year’s festival, where special archived footage of the famous Milk Race as it visited Ceredigion through the 1960s, 70s and 80s will be showcased.

Ann Eleri Jones of Ceredigion Council said: “What a poignant and thoughtful way to celebrate Ceredigion’s heritage than to tie our modern-day cycling festival, now a national event, in to our roots with the Milk Race.

“Anybody new to Ceredigion will get to see our county at its best – thriving with eager people, buzzing with life and friendly sportsmanship. Not one to be missed.”