The Welsh Valleys are set to become the UK's premium mountain biking destination with the opening of BikePark Wales, at Gethin Woods in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday 24th August 2013.

BikePark Wales is part of the Cognation project that is investing in mountain biking throughout South Wales. The Cognation partnership is made up of Neath Port Talbot CBC, Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Caerphilly CBC, Visit Wales and Natural Resources Wales.

 

The project is part-funded by the EU's Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government with match funding coming from Welsh Government Heads of the Valley and Western Valleys regeneration initiative, BikePark Wales and partner organisations.

 

The new facility is the UK's first large scale commercial bike park and will feature trails catering for all levels of ability from complete beginners to World Cup level DH racers.

 

Riders can pedal the 5km ascent or choose the minibus uplift for a speedier route to the summit. Here they will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Merthyr Tydfil and out to the Brecon Beacons before taking their tyres to the downhill tracks that promise a variety of fun, flows, technical twists and speed.

 

Unique to BikePark Wales is a dedicated full time trail crew who will maintain and extend trails ensuring consistent prime riding conditions and the continual development of new runs. BikePark Wales will open with an incredible 23 sections of trails, including a family trail and a pump track. A further 14 routes are planned over the next five years.

Added to the trails and minibus uplift, visitors will be able to enjoy the extensive onsite facilities that include a bespoke visitor centre, a cosy cafe serving hearty, healthy food, a bike shop with Fox/Mojo service centre and a quality bike rental fleet from Trek.

 

For those looking to polish their skills and learn from the best, BikePark Wales aims to be a centre of excellence for mountain bike coaching and will be offering a range of courses to suit mountain bike newbies right through to downhill daredevils.

 

BikePark Wales adds to the already world-class mountain biking and cycling facilities in the Welsh Valleys at Afan Forest Park and Cwmcarn and positions Wales as a cycler's paradise.

 

Minister for the Economy, Edwina Hart, said: "I'm delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support the development of BikePark Wales through the European Regional Development Fund.  BikePark Wales is an iconic development which will raise the profile of South Wales as a mountain biking and cycling destination. It is set to be the UK's first ever large commercial mountain bike park which will hopefully attract around 100,000 visitors a year and have the capacity of hosting international events. I'd like to congratulate both private and public sector partners on working together to realise this vision and wish BikePark Wales every success for the future."

 

Peter Cole, Regional Director of Capital Region Tourism for The Valleys comments: "The new facility at BikePark Wales really does cater for all levels and tastes and adds to the fantastic portfolio of biking already on offer here in The Valleys. Within a short journey from a number of major English towns and cities, people can escape their daily routine and be out exploring this adventure playground on two wheels. With onsite bike hire and a cafe facilities, people don't need to have all the gear, they can just come and give it a go and enjoy a great day out. For more experienced enthusiasts, BikePark Wales offers the perfect excuse to tag on a longer visit to discover the wider world-class mountain biking on offer in The Valleys."

 

BikePark Director and trail builder Rowan Sorrell said: "To have the opportunity to build something from scratch and then to be part of its continual development in the coming years is really exciting. We are keen to respond to the tastes of the riders that visit us and to develop trails that will continue to challenge and appeal to all level of riders. At the same time we want to position ourselves as a centre of excellence and encourage people to get out on two wheels to explore this beautiful part of the world.  Looking forward, our ambition in the coming years is to play host to large scale mountain bike events including the world cup."

 

Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Councillor Brendan Toomey, said: "We are excited about Merthyr Tydfil becoming the UK's premium mountain biking destination and of the thousands of visitors the new facility will bring into the county borough every year.

 

"BikePark Wales is set to become a national attraction and will provide employment for local people as well as helping the local economy and becoming a community hub, not only for mountain bikers but for anyone wishing to enjoy the outdoors.

 

"The opening of BikePark Wales at Gethin Woods is an excellent opportunity for Merthyr Tydfil to raise its profile as part of the world-class mountain biking on offer in The Valleys and this will subsequently highlight the county borough as a place where people will want to visit, enjoy and return to".

Construction of BikePark Wales began in January 2013 and the trails are set to officially open on Saturday 24th August 2013.

 

See our Top 10 recommendations for cycling and mountain biking in The Valleys www.thevalleys.co.uk

Read more about MBT Trail in South Wales from Cognation www.cognation.co.uk

 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

BikePark Wales is part of Cognation which is investing in mountain biking across the South Wales Valleys. The project and is part-funded by the EU's Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government with match funding coming from Welsh Government Heads of the Valleys and Western Valleys regeneration initiative, BikePark Wales and partner organisations.

 

For further details or to receive a bespoke itinerary to visit The Valleys, please contact Caroline McIntosh or Colette Walker of Blue Sail Marketing. Images also available on request for the South Wales Valleys.

Caroline McIntosh: 07976 503284 caroline.mcintosh@bluesail.com
Colette Walker: 07988 447573 colette.walker@bluesail.com

Stay in touch @LoveTheValleys

You can also find further press releases, images, features and suggested itineraries in the media room of our website www.thevalleys.co.uk/media

 

The South Wales Valleys are very easy to reach. Travel times from major English towns and cities to the central area of The Valleys are as follows (examples for car access to Pontypridd):

Bristol - under 1 hour
Birmingham - 2 hours 10mins
Reading - 2hours 10mins
Oxford - 2 hours 20 mins
Bath - 1hour 20 mins
Worcester - 1hour 45mins

About The Valleys - Heart and Soul campaign:

The Valleys - Heart and Soul of Wales is a campaign led by partnership organisations from the Western Valleys, Heads of the Valleys and The Valleys Regional Park. The aim is to change perceptions of The Valleys, attract more tourists and bring long-term economic benefits to the area. The area has undergone major transformation with a total investment of £42 million and is now a flourishing tourism destination waiting to be explored.

www.thevalleys.co.uk