Geraint Thomas has set the time to beat on Horseshoe Pass, clocking 14 minutes, 22 seconds to knock five seconds off Track World Cup gold medallist Sam Harrison’s original benchmark.
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Etape Cymru organisers are inviting members of the public to ride the 6.1km ascent, which gains 317m in height with a maximum gradient of 20 per cent, and submit their times ahead of the 100-mile closed-road sportive in north Wales on Sunday October 9.
The 19-year-old Harrison recorded 14 minutes, 27 seconds on the climb but Team Sky rider Thomas, one of the stars of the Tour de France after wearing the white jersey for the first week, dipped under the Great Britain youngster’s mark while previewing the “spectacular” route.
“The Etape Cymru is one of the toughest closed-road events in Britain and as a proud Welshman I am delighted to support it,” said Thomas. “The 100 mile route, with 6000 feet of climbing, offers cyclists a challenging but fabulous opportunity to enjoy our spectacular Welsh scenery in the safety of a closed road environment.”
The Etape Cymru is working in partnership with British Cycling, with all entrants receiving a goodie bag (including an event gilet) and free British Cycling Ride membership (worth £24). Event entry is £65, while existing British Cycling Members benefit from a discounted entry fee of £53.
Thomas added: “Good luck to all the entrants, cycle hard, keep smiling and enjoy your day and the north Wales hospitality.”
Head to www.etape-cymru.co.uk to enter or to submit your Horseshoe Pass time.
