Two stunning cycle routes that pay tribute to Wales’ very own cycling legend, Sir David Brailsford and that take-in some of Snowdonia’s most stunning scenery will be officially unveiled in Caernarfon on Sunday, June 12.
Both of the ‘Brailsford Way’ cycle routes – the 50-mile and 75-mile will be launched as part of the popular Snowdonia Etape cycling event that gets underway from Caernarfon.
From the Menai Straits, on to Caernarfon Castle that forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the routes also take in the 13th century castles of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd in Dolbadarn (Llanberis) and Dolwyddelan.
The Brailsford Way route which includes tough climbs as well as exhilarating descents through the heart of Snowdonia will offer a real challenge for experienced cyclists that want to challenge themselves as well as allowing novices a chance to cycle along some of the country’s most picturesque routes.
Speaking about the routes, Sir David Brailsford said: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world riding bikes, but for me only one place really stands out and that’s home. There’s no better cycling, or a more stunning part of the world than Snowdonia.
“It’s such an invigorating place; I never leave without feeling better than I did when I arrived. Growing up, these routes were the ones which I liked to ride; the road, the climbs, the beautiful blend between the sea and mountains. These were the ones that inspired me.”
Having grown-up in Deiniolen in Gwynedd, Sir David Brailsford said that the natural landscape of Snowdonia was part of his motivation for being out on his bike. Now, one of world cycling’s most prominent figures and having guided British Olympians to numerous gold medals as well as helping to steer both Sir Bradley Wiggings and Chris Froome to Tour de France successes as Team Sky general manager, he loves to come back home to enjoy Snowdonia’s roads.
He added: “Parts of these routes were used during stages of the Tour of Britain in 2014 and 2015. The climbs are monstrous; climb from sea level to the highest elevation of 360m at Pen y Pass. The scenery is pure magic and the scale and variety of cycling is truly unique. The roads are smooth perfect for cycling and both the 50-mile and 75-mile routes are well sign-posted.
“As well as the fantastic cycling, one thing I really like when I’m out on the bike in Snowdonia is to stop at a local café, and just sitting there having a cup of coffee and a chat with the locals.”
The Brailsford Way cycle routes have been supported by the Welsh Government, Gwynedd Council and Conwy County Borough Council.
Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy added: “We are delighted to support the new ‘Brailsford Way’ cycle routes. We are so proud of what Sir David Brailsford has achieved through his career in cycling and the new routes are a small token of our appreciation.
“Cycling is a hugely popular sport across the UK and beyond and Sir David Brailsford who was brought up in Deiniolen is one of the sport’s most prominent coaches. Our aim is to highlight the fantastic cycling routes we have here in Snowdonia and hope that riders from near and far come to challenge themselves and enjoy our wonderful scenery.
“By working with partners across the public and private sector we want to build on our reputation as a major international tourism destination.”
More information about ‘Brailsford Way’ cycle routes is available via this short video which features Sir David Brailsford: https://youtu.be/7gyNx3lobVw and details are also available on:www.visitsnowdonia.info
