A 220km Gran Fondo is one of three new routes added to the Wiggle Etape Cymru, which returns this year on Sunday September 13.
Sponsored by Wiggle and organised by Human Race Events, the introduction of three new routes means the North Wales sportive will follow the model of the South Wales-based Wiggle Dragon Ride.
A 110km Corto route and a 170km Medio Fondo route have also been added to the billing, though the event is now an open-road sportive to accommodate the changes.
Event director Kirsty Wilde said: “The closed road Etape Cymru was a huge success over the past four years, but we have something very special up our sleeve this year.
“Having an open road event allows us to pick our perfect route so we can access stunning vistas and beautiful scenery more often.”
Rolling out the Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, near Wrexham, on Sunday September 13 – one week after the Tour of Britain’s first stage visits the town – takes in the Horseshoe Pass, Llyn Brenig Reservoir and the Nant-y-Garth Pass.
The former features just 32km into the course, boasting a five per cent gradient with some vicious hairpins set against the stunning, rugged Denbighshire hills.
An event village will be located at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse for the sportive, which has been six months in the making.
And it has the backing of Team Sky hardman and proud Welsh rider Luke Rowe, who said: “The Wiggle Etape Cymru, in my opinion, showcases some of the most spectacular riding Wales has to offer.
“The routes offer challenging but rewarding cycling as it takes in some breathtaking sights including the view from the Horseshoe Pass, Llyn Brenig reservoir and the Nant y Garth Pass.
“No excuses – get on your bike and join thousands of others for this spectacular challenge. If like me you have already done the Wiggle Dragon Ride, this is definitely the next ‘must-do’ Welsh sportive.”
Entry costs £35 and is now open, with a reduced rate of £22.50 available for anybody choosing to collect a minimum £100 of fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support.
To book your place, or for more information, visit www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling.
