Stage breakdown Merida Bikes TransWales ’08

The Merida Bikes TransWales is based on a combination of un-timed linking stages and timed special stages – similar to a car rally if you like. The order of the day on the linking stages is to reserve your energy, minimise the impact on your equipment and simply enjoy the day riding through some of the greatest sceneries the UK has to offer. The special stages however are the complete opposite – here speed, finesse and timing are the key to success. You will ride against the ticking clock and a simple mistake can make the difference between standing on the podium or being in front of it at the end of the day.

Every stage will have a briefing beforehand where we will tell you some important details about the stage, take you through the lengths and profile as well as making you aware of some of the difficult and important points you will come across on that stage. It is also extremely important for the special stages as it might help you to settle on the order your team will ride in and it also makes you aware of difficult and dangerous parts of the course. The complete course map with profile will on display the night before.

Enough chat – here the provisional course for the Merida Bikes TransWales ‘08. Please be aware that all details given are approximate and might change before or even during the event.

Stage Breakdown – Merida Bikes TransWales ‘08

Saturday 16th August 2008
Location: White House Farm, Builth Wells Registration Equipment check Event bag handout Initial briefing  Pasta party

Sunday 17th August 2008
First linking stage from Builth Wells to Cilycwm, Llandovery
Distance: approx. 67.5 Km
Metres of climbing: approx. 1812 m
Predicted riding time: 6-7 hours
There is the possibility of a timed section as part of the linking stage. 3km flat or gently descending technical section.

followed by –

First special stage at Cwmrhaedr (night stage)

Monday 18th August 2008
Second linking stage from Cwmrhaedr to Llansawel via Brechfa Forest.
Distance: approx. 71.5 Km
Metres of climbing: approx. 1985 m
Predicted riding time: 7-8 hrs

Tuesday 19th August 2008
Second special stage at Brechfa Forest. (Abergorlech Trail)

Third linking stage from Abergorlech to Tregaron
Distance: approx. 71 Km
Metres of climbing: approx. 1856 m
Predicted riding time: 6.5 – 7.5 hours

Wednesday 20th August 2008
Fourth linking stage from Tregaron to Machynlleth.
Distance: approx. 82 Km
Metres of climbing: approx. 2045 m
Predicted riding time:  8 hours

Thursday 21st August 2008
Third special stage on the Cli-machx trail (Corris)

Fifth linking stage from the Climax Trail to Ponterwyd.
Distance: approx. 55.5 Km
Metres of climbing approx. 1683 m
Predicted riding time: 5 – 6 hours

Friday 22nd  August 2008
Fourth Special Stage at Nantyrarian.

Sixth linking stage from Nantyrarian to Strata Florida.
Distance: approx. 68.5 Km
Metres of climbing: approx. 1968 m
Predicted riding time: 6 – 7 hours

Over all distance (approx.): 550km (344miles)
Over all climbing (approx.): 15.500m (50840feet)

Well done and congratulations to finishing the Merida Bikes TransWales 2008. The official part of the events is coming to a close with the final prize presentation and releasing of the final results. After that the finisher party will get going and going by last years TransScotland and the 2006 TransWales party will carry on into the morning. We hope that everybody is going to stay to enjoy the party and the well deserved rest after this tough week. Obviously the camp ground is going to stay open till Sunday and everybody is welcome to camp from Saturday to Sunday.

Hopefully this breakdown will give you a better idea of what you are letting yourself in for and will hopefully also help to plan the event a little bit better. Please be aware that the course is only provisional at this stage and is subject to change.