CYCLISTS of all ages rode the combined distance of Llandrindod Wells to Contrexeville in France as part of the 2017 Llandrindod Cycle Fest.

Cyclists were asked to ride around the town’s lake enough times to clock up the 1,310 mile distance to Contrexeville and back.

This year’s festival was kicked off by Chris Davies MP for Brecon and Radnor, accompanied by event organiser, Councillor Jeff Green.

The family friendly weekend had an exciting schedule of events and activities for all ages and abilities.

Saturday once again drew a crowd of over 70 cyclists, mostly young and enthusiastic ready for a fresh challenge.

A star attraction was the Bike Battle stunt show, which was followed by coaching in their arena for the children by the stunt men.

At least 30 riders battled it out themselves on the Drover Cycles Dual Slalom run by John Lloyd and Neil Delafield, both very experienced event organisers of the MTB series and the Enduro Mountain Bike Events.

The challenge heated up as the riders competed two by two and a few riders were spat off as they sped down the hill, all were fine thankfully with just a few bruises and scrapes.

Welsh2Day are thanked for their very generous gift of £10,000 to organise drainage.

The fine weather continued on Sunday with the Festival and Women’s Sportives, the Veterans’ Ride and the Family Fun Ride.

Riders were treated to hot and cold drinks and a selection of homemade cakes by Bonna Williams of Daisy Chain Bike Events.

Cycle Training Wales brought their Shoretrax pumptrack for children to learn new mountain bike tricks and at the same time fixed many of the children’s bikes with their skills and know-how.

Freedom Leisure offered visitors a chance to try out their spinning classes in the open air taught by experienced trainers from the sports centre in Llandrindod Wells.

Tom from T-Hire also brought go-karts for sale and to try out around the lake.

The organisers would like to thank everyone who came along and showed support for this great festival and got involved in all the activities.

Thanks are sent to John Lloyd and Bonna Williams without whom this festival would not be possible, the Town Council for their assistance with funding as well as the Big Lottery ‘Awards for All’ funding.

Thanks are also sent to: Inspire Shows, Drover Cycles, Cycle Training Wales, T-Hire/Toms Mowers & Garden Supplies, John Lloyd Racing Events and Daisy Chain Bike Events, Hub Jub, National Cycle Collection, Powerprint, St John Ambulance, Masco, the local media and Anna Haslock for their wide and varied contribution and a first class event.

Finally thanks go to all the volunteers and marshals.