WHAT IS IT?
A single loop gravel cycling event with option of 130km Gran Fondo or 90km Medio Fondo distances. Riders are timed and will be the only Gravel Fondo race in the UK.WHERE?
Llandovery, Carmarthenshire with riding within the Cambrian MountainsWHEN?
Registration & Gravel demo day Saturday September 11th &Main event Sunday September 11th, 2021
SENIOR - Ages 18 to 29 (born 1992 to 2001)
MASTERS - Ages 30 to 39 (born 1982 to 1991)
VETERAN - Ages 40 to 49 (born 1972 to 1981)
GRAND VETERAN - Ages 50 to 59 (born 1962 to 1971)
SUPER VETERAN - Ages 60+ (born 1961 and before)
e-FONDO - For electric assisted bikes based, Medio Fondo distance only. (non-competitive, no prizes awarded) All categories are based on riders age on 31/12/2021
Overall fastest Male & Female riders will also be awarded
MASTERS - Ages 30 to 39 (born 1982 to 1991)
VETERAN - Ages 40 to 49 (born 1972 to 1981)
GRAND VETERAN - Ages 50 to 59 (born 1962 to 1971)
SUPER VETERAN - Ages 60+ (born 1961 and before)
e-FONDO - For electric assisted bikes based, Medio Fondo distance only. (non-competitive, no prizes awarded) All categories are based on riders age on 31/12/2021
Overall fastest Male & Female riders will also be awarded
Standard Entry - £70
- plus booking fee
Applies to Gran Fondo & Medio Fondo distances
- plus booking fee
Applies to Gran Fondo & Medio Fondo distances
Gran Fondo - 130km & 2800m climbing (timing finish @ 120km)
Medio Fondo - 90km & 2000m climbing (timing finish @ 77km)
See Full rotue details here
Medio Fondo - 90km & 2000m climbing (timing finish @ 77km)
See Full rotue details here
Overall Male & Female - £500
Age Category Winners - Winners Jerseys
Medio Fondo - Timed and results produced, but no prizes awarded
Age Category Winners - Winners Jerseys
Medio Fondo - Timed and results produced, but no prizes awarded
EVENT FEATURES
Accurate Electronic Chip Timing
Finishers Medal
Event Technical T-Shirt
Multiple well stocked feed stations
Full route marking & supplementary GPX
Prizes for category winners
Event HQ facilities & parking
On-Site Catering
First aid support
2021 ROUTE IN BRIEF
GRAN FONDO
130km / 2800vm
The UK’s ONLY single loop gravel race event.Riders will head from Llandovery into Crychan Forest and then continue into the Cambrian Mountains with a stunning route through the Upper Towy Valley. Featuring big climbs, epic views and a high % of the route on gravel roads this will become the iconic UK gravel route.
More Route InfoMEDIO FONDO
90km / 2000vm
Following the same route as the Gravel Fondo for 65km before a short section before rejoining and finish back on the full Gran Fondo course. The race timing will finish after 75km, leaving a 15km neutral ride back to HQ at Llandovery.
NB: Although the Medio Fondo will be timed and results provided in position order, only the Gran Fondo has prizes & podium ceremony attached.
More Route Details
EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 11
06:45Sunrise
11:00 - 19:00
Registration Open
10:00 - 18:00
Gravel Demo & Trade Open
19:36
Sunset
Sunday, September 12
06:47Sunrise
07:00
Registration Opens
08:30
Registration Closes
09:00
Race Start
14:00
Faster Finishers Expected Back
19:33
Sunset
LOCATION
ABOUT LLANDOVERY
(welsh - Llanymddyfri) is a market town within the county of Carmarthenshire. The name derives from Llan ymlith y dyfroedd, which is Welsh meaning "church enclosure amidst the waters" and refers to the convergence of waters around the area and it is not possible to enter the town via road without crossing one of the rivers. The River Towy is the largest and forms a strong element of the event, with the river that forms Llyn Brianne reservoir and riders will follow the course of the river to the end of the route, with the event HQ adjacent to the river itself.
The town is a gateway to surrounding beauty spots such as the Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. With easy access on main roads and being less than 1 hour drive from the end of the M4 motorway it is an ideal location that mixes fantastic riding beyond and ease of access.
The town is a gateway to surrounding beauty spots such as the Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. With easy access on main roads and being less than 1 hour drive from the end of the M4 motorway it is an ideal location that mixes fantastic riding beyond and ease of access.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is not included, however with the event being held within the town of Llandovery there are plenty of options for all budgets. There are two campsites and many B&B, guest houses and holiday cottages within the area.
Carmarthenshire is known as the Cycling Hub of Wales and we are working together with Carmarthenshire County Council to ensure that as many accommodation options as possible are bike friendly. For more information and properties within the area as well as excellent local information on things to do and see, visit the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
Carmarthenshire is known as the Cycling Hub of Wales and we are working together with Carmarthenshire County Council to ensure that as many accommodation options as possible are bike friendly. For more information and properties within the area as well as excellent local information on things to do and see, visit the Discover Carmarthenshire website.
GETTING HERE
Llandovery is a market down with good links from all areas.
By road: From the South, it is less than 1 hour from the M4. From North & East it sits upon the main trunk roads from Newtown (A483) and Abergavenny (A40).
By train: Llandovery has a railway station on the Heart of Wales line, accessed via Swansea or Shrewsbury. The station is just 200 metres from the event HQ. Bikes are permitted on the Heart of Wales line, but can not be booked in advance.
By bike: If you want to turn Gravel Fondo Cymru into a bikepacking adventure there are endless minor roads and off-road tracks that make this area of Carmarthenshire perfect for cycling. Wild camping is not permitted on the venue field, but there are 2 campsite with full facilities within Llandovery.
FAQs
What bike do I need?
The rules are relaxed on what bike you are able to use, although the route is aimed and designed for gravel bikes and we recommend a tyre size no smaller than 40c.
Mountain bikes and any other form of off-road bike is allowed, but please ensure it is road worthy and able to deal with rough road surfaces.
Mountain bikes and any other form of off-road bike is allowed, but please ensure it is road worthy and able to deal with rough road surfaces.
Is it a race?
The race is timed and prizes are awarded to the overall winners and category winners for the Gran Fondo distance, however that does not mean only the fastest riders can enter. The route is designed for anyone looking for a challenge.
The cut offs in place are designed for a lowest average speed of 15kph (8mph) for the Gran Fondo route.
The cut offs in place are designed for a lowest average speed of 15kph (8mph) for the Gran Fondo route.
Do I have to race?
No. If you just want to ride around, then so long as you ride above the speed for the cut off (15kph to the 65km point) you can ride at your own pace.
How can it be a race?
The route is largely on privately owned land, away from public rights of way. This allows us to make it a timed race.
We are also working closely with local councils to have road closures in place on minor roads that the event uses. There will be marshals around the course to ensure it is a safe and fair race for all.
We are also working closely with local councils to have road closures in place on minor roads that the event uses. There will be marshals around the course to ensure it is a safe and fair race for all.
How fit do I need to be?
While the distances are a challenge, we think the bigger factor is the climbing. With 2800vm on the Gran Fondo and 2000vm on the Medio Fondo it means lots of uphills, most of which are longer and sustained and not too steep.
Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes. Although it is not categorised as a race, e-bikes can take part with certain conditions and only on the 90km route. There will be specific rules for e-bikes, which will include not allowing other to draft behind in a manner to improve their performance and time. It is the riders responsibility to ensure the battery will last the distance and we will be working with manufacturers to give guidelines. There may be a dedicated battery swap area that will allow riders to have a second battery to use.
As it is not a race, there are no prizes or podiums for any e-bike riders.
As it is not a race, there are no prizes or podiums for any e-bike riders.
What feed stations will there be?
We recommend that riders aim to complete the route and take enough food with them to last the distance. The feed stations will be designed to be supplementary and there will be several feed stations on both Gran Fondo & Medio Fondo routes. These will have a range of food types on offer and will cater for most diets. Water will also be available at all feed stations.
What facilities will there be at HQ?
Within the arena area there will be a range of trade stands, first aid and parking close to the registration area.
ABOUT
Gravel Fondo Cymru will be held for the first time in September 2020. Organised by A Cycling, the team behind Gritfest, UK's premier gravel race with enduro style timing and Battle on the Beach, the UK's largest off-road cycle race in the UK. We are based near Llandovery and have expert knowledge of all areas of the route within Crychan and Towy Forest where Gravel Fondo Cymru will take place. Llandovery is a small market town on the river Towy, surrounded by stunning scenery in all directions. With support from Carmarthenshire, the Cycling Hub of Wales we will ensure the event surpasses all expectations.
