Geraint Thomas, Becky James, Elinor Barker and now para cyclist Rachael James – Wales is proving to be a hot bed of cycling talent.

And behind it all is Darren Tudor, head coach at Welsh Cycling, who is using the experience garnered from working for British Cycling to harness the talents of the next generation of first-class riders from the principality.

One of Tudor’s latest protégées however is already a Welsh icon – rugby union legend Gareth Thomas, veteran of more than 100 caps for Wales and the Lions.

‘Alfie’ is set to tackle the Etape Cymru sportive, 88 miles of brutal, undulating roads in North Wales and Tudor is lending a hand with coaching advice.

And we caught up with Tudor to find out his top tips for tackling some of Britain’s top sportives.

Read Darren’s advice for tackling a demanding sportive over the following pages, and add your own tips in the RCUK Forum.