An annual charity cycle ride in Pembrokeshire attracted a capacity 220 entrants from all over Wales and beyond and raised nearly £8,000.
The 2024 Kilgetty Bike It 100 proved the most successful yet, and will help the Paul Sartori Hospice and Home and Haverfordwest High School South Africa rugby tour 2025.
Three challenging routes – 50, 75 and 100 – were tackled by cyclists with a variety of abilities, including top cyclists in training for upcoming events including Ironman Wales in September.
The titles of King and Queen of the Mountain on each route were added incentives for the riders.
There was a surprise winner in the 100-mile King challenge – Matthew Bassett of Ammanford, taking part in his first Bike It. and beating some of Ironman Wales’ top local contenders.
Queen of the Mountain was Katie Davies of Ystradowen, Swansea, who has qualified foer the World Ironman Championships in her age group in Nice in September.
Tim Ormsby of East Williamston, one of the more senior entrants, put in two impressive climbs to take the King of the Mountain in the 75-mile distance, while that distance’s Queen of the Mountain was Monika Kubiak of Llanelli.
The 50-mile King award was won by David Griffiths of Oswestry, who holds the title of Scottish Hill Climb Champion 2016/17 among his many triumphs.
David, who grew up in Pembrokeshire, entered the 50 alongside his father, Richard, as he was home for a family celebration. His partner, Ella Hamilton, also from Oswestry, also took the Queen of the Mountain in this category.
Record number of clubs
There was a record number of 31 clubs entered, with Tenby Aces winning the award for the club with the most finishers. This was presented to Gareth Huw Rees by former Wales and British Lions legend Shane Williams.
Milford Tritons Cycle Club also supported the event in large numbers and chairman Kevin Milich posted on social media: “Just wanted to give Norman Mason and his team kudos for arranging a superb sportive. A great day was had by all, and the Tritons will definitely be back”.
Olympic medallist's mum
The Towy Riders from Carmarthen saw Susie Finucane, mum of Olympics Gold winner Emma Finucane - among their entrants in the 75-miler, with Riders head coach Simon Williams returning to complete the 100 miler after he suffered an accident in Crymych during the 2021 event.
The three youngest entrants were Caio Jones and Daf Williams from Clarbeston Road and Hugh Thomas, Haverfordwest - all 15-year-olds completing the 50-miler.
The ride, held recently from Kingsmoor Sportsand Social Club, Kilgetty raised a total of £7,838.32 and from its 2021, 2023 and 2024 events, has raised nearly £20,000 for charities and good causes.
Organiser's thanks
Event organiser Norman Mason said: “Special thanks to Sandra Dade and the team of volunteers from Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, and parents, friends, and the rugby boys from Haverfordwest High School - without their support, this event would never run. let alone have been so successful.
“Also, thanks to Princes Gate Water and Castell Howell who generously sponsored our water, banana and Welsh Cake stops.
“Thanks also to our medal sponsors - The Plough Inn, Sageston; Folly Farm, Begelly, and Tom Goddard & Sons, Haverfordwest. Also, Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club for the generous loan of their superb finish arch, and Pisgah Congregrational Chapel, Llandissilio who, as in previous years, opened up the chapel toilets and hosted the water station on the 50-mile route.
“Kingsmoor Sports & Social Club - Brian, Louise, and staff -always offer the use of the superb facilities and very welcome barbecue and refreshments. Thanks to everyone who donated raffle prizes, and thanks to Matt Reynolds and Mark J Saunders for lovely photos throughout the routes.
“Thanks again to Roy James, the dispatch rider who has not missed a Kilgetty Bike It, and the support vehicles for making sure all cyclists are escorted throughout the event.“
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