News: Geraint Thomas Backs Welsh Sportive Double

Team Sky rider, Geraint Thomas, is backing the 2012 Etape Cymru, as well as providing his support for participants in the Dragon Ride.

The two events are owned and run by Participate Sport, who launched a Dragon Double promotion earlier this week, offering entry to both the Dragon Ride and Etape Cymru; the 250 places available sold out in a matter of days.

The Etape Cymru event will take place on Sunday 9th September 2012 under closed road conditions. The Wiggle Dragon Ride takes place on Sunday 10th June 2012. The 2012 Etape Cymru event will once again feature a hugely challenging route, fantastic scenery and local support. The route and organisation will receive some major modifications from the 2011 edition.

“The team at Participate Sport organise great events and I’m pleased to be part of what’s going to be a fantastic day out in Wales for cyclists from all over the UK,” said Thomas. “The route of the Etape Cymru in North Wales is amazing and people from all over the UK are going to have a fantastic day out; it’s the kind of route that makes me proud to be a Welsh cyclist,” he continued. “The great local support that we’re famous for is going to make this a very special day on the cycling calendar. I wish the best to everyone who is riding the event, it’ll be tough but the closed roads are going to be a top experience.”

Over 4000 people are expected to take on the Dragon Ride in June, a big challenge for even the toughest of sportive riders. “My advice is to make sure you get some good long miles in ahead of it and try and do close to the distance in training so you know what to expect,” explained Thomas. “It’s an event that’s famous for its atmosphere and route, I wish I could ride but I’m planning to be a bit busy this summer in London.”

With extensive experience in the sport events industry, Participate Sport currently own and organise Cycletta and Festival of Sport Cornwall. Many of the team, formerly at IMG Mass Participation Sport created and ran events such as Etape Caledonia, Etape Hibernia and Run to the Beat.

Entry for the Etape Cymru 2012 is now open and available at www.etape-cymru.co.uk. Entries to the Dragon Ride have sold out.