Trans-Wales Winners

News Release / 27.08.2009

The 2009 Trans Wales is now over and the seven linking stages and four special stages all had their own character and kept everybody on their toes in a week of unforgettable riding.

When the 180 riders from 13 different countries lined up for the official start of the event in Builth Wells anticipations were high and they were not be disappointed. The riding conditions out on course were stable with only the odd shower turning the trails muddy in places. However the 550km of course with 15.55m of climbing remains one of the toughest MTB challenges out there.

As in the years before the linking stages were mixed up with 4 special stages where the riders could gain or lose important seconds which would make all the difference at the end of the day.

This year the special stages kicked off with the downhill dominated stage at the Cli-machx before heading south to Nant-y-Arian. After that the NiteRider Night Special Stage at Cwm-y-Rhaiadr once more made the riders head out into the darkness to fight out the leader in the various categories. The final special stage took place in Brechfa Forest. As in the years past the night stage was once again the riders clear favourite, out of the many memorable moments of this 7 day long adventure.

After almost 550km with nearly 16000 meters of climbing all the titles were given out at the finishers party in Builth Wells. The SARIS Men's category was won by Dan Lewis and Neil Richardson from the Royal Air Force CA, the BUFF Women's Category by the BAD by association team of Joy Bringer and Camilia Edlin, the MERIDA Bikes Mixed category by Maddie and Jay Horton from Team Certini, the ERGON Vets Category by the Italian Ideal Team of Fulvio Damian and Elvo Del Puppo.

The SCHWALBE sponsored Open Solo titles went Marika Covre from the Italian Ideal Team and to Jonathan Pugh from Clee Cycles KCNC High5. The SQUIRT powered Vets Solo category was again won by the 2009 winner Steve Heading from Whyte Racing UK. Big congratulations again from the MTB Events team to the winners and even bigger congratulations for all the other finishers.

Full results are on www.mtbtransuk.co.uk and plans are already underway for the 2010 event.