The benefit of Velothon Wales on the Welsh tourism industry has been revealed, with almost half of all cyclists taking part coming from outside Wales. Taking place on Sunday 22 May, this month’s Velothon Wales will see around 12,000 cyclists completing a 140km closed-road route around South Wales.
Almost half (48%) of those who have registered for this year’s event will be travelling to Wales from elsewhere in the UK, giving a boost to hotels, restaurants and leisure services in the five local authority areas involved along the route.
Riders from London and the South East will make up a significant number of those taking part in Velothon Wales, which launched its first event in 2015.
Just over 21% of participants will be swapping the hussle and bussle of city life for the 87-mile course around some of the most picturesque roads around South Wales.
Around 12% of riders will be coming over the Severn Bridge to join the event from the South West but there are plenty from further afield as well.
Riders have signed up from the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the rare opportunity to cycle on complete closed roads and alongside a UCI sanctioned professional road race.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive of Run 4 Wales, the local partner supporting IRONMAN in delivering Velothon Wales 2016, said “Velothon Wales has quickly established itself as one of the must-do sportives in the UK thanks to its closed roads, challenging route and stunning scenery.
“Wales has a long history of staging world-class sporting events and despite only being in its second year, Velothon Wales is another sporting occasion we can be proud of.”
He continued, “We want the benefits of Velothon Wales to be felt right across South Wales and with almost half of all entrants coming from elsewhere in the UK, we hope this will provide a welcome boost to businesses all along the route and the surrounding areas.”
Latest entry breakdown by region
- East = 3.6%
- East Midlands = 1.3%
- London & South East = 21%
- North East = 0.5%
- North West = 1.3%
- Northern Ireland = 0.1%
- Scotland = 0.2%
- South West = 12%
- Wales = 52%
- West Midlands = 7.2%
- Yorks = 0.8%
Online entries for Velothon Wales close on 16 May with a limited number of places available on the day.
