THE CHIEF executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society will be using pedal power to raise money for charity by cycling across the old county of Montgomeryshire on Saturday.

Steve Hughson will be joined by supporters from the Royal Welsh Show’s 2018 Montgomeryshire feature county on a sponsored cycle ride from Machynlleth to Trefeglwys, Newtown, Forden, Welshpool, Llansantffraid and Llanfyllin before finishing in Llanerfyl, the home village of this year's society president, Tom Tudor.

The Chief Executive’s Challenge, labelled the Royal Welsh Le Tour de Maldwyn, aims to cover 82 miles in under 10 hours to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK and the Montgomeryshire Royal Welsh Feature County Fund.

The brave cyclists will endure more than 6,560ft of climbing throughout the route, the vast majority of which will be in the first 20 miles. Steve and the rest of the Montgomeryshire cycling team will be rewarded at the finish with a well-deserved barbecue laid on by the Tudor family.

“The huge effort that feature counties make each year is astounding,” said Steve. “We are always in awe at how these committees give up their time to work tirelessly to raise funds for the society and other worthwhile charities.

“Without their help, we would not be able to make the improvements to the showground. This year, Montgomeryshire is raising money to put towards facilities on site for our young members.

“By taking on this annual challenge I am able to say a personal ‘thank you’ for the fundraising efforts of the feature county, along with raising my own sponsorship to contribute to their total.”

To sponsor Steve, click here.