Activity Wales Events, organisers of the global multisport event Long Course Weekend, have announced that this year’s Wales Sportive, to be held on Saturday July 6 - will have comprehensive road closures, restrictions and diversions in place.

The full Wales Sportive cycling event begins in Tenby, before covering a course of 112 miles - taking in areas across Pembrokeshire, before reaching the finishing line in Tenby.

Cyclists competing in each of the categories will have a staggered start, with the 112 mile athletes starting first and the 45 mile athletes leaving last. The 45 mile course will be one lap of the small circuit, whilst 66 mile cyclists will head off towards Angle before finishing the small circuit.

The Long Course weekend which begins on Friday, July 5 with the Wales Swim on Tenby’s North Beach, finishing with a 26.2 mile marathon on the Sunday, is set to attract 12,000 athletes, almost 6 times the size of the Ironman Wales event they introduced to the Principality back in 2011.

The event is now franchised in Holland, Australia and Mallorca with talk of 2 more events coming on line for 2020.

Matthew Evans, of Activity Wales Events said: “For the past nine years we have run the sportive on open roads, but the demand for the event, television coverage and locals moving in their day to day business means we have now moved to dedicated roads for traffic and dedicated roads for the cyclists.”

Economically, the event brings in over 160,000 bed nights to the local economy and well over £9 million in revenue for local businesses.

However, it’s the core values of the event - with free advertising for local businesses, 95 per cent local delivery partners, youth business programme, free college consultancy, run with a loved one channels, and medals for all children, that really has been the secret to the enormous growth and repeat business levels for the event.

Scott Powell, of Activity Wales Events commented: “Our Mallorca event (www.sportivemallorca.com) is now probably one of the most incredible bike rides in Europe, with stunning fast closed roads and an incredible atmosphere.

“Bringing this to Wales and adding it to the already incredible experience at Long Course Weekend will add a completely new dimension and opportunities for athletes and businesses alike.”

The volunteer programme has raised thousands of pounds for local charities, organisations, sports groups and schools – with many sports teams making it their annual weekend – earning a playing kit as a thank you for their help.

Now televised in over 100 countries the Long Course Weekend this year will celebrate its 10th Anniversary and will, without doubt, be the biggest show the team has delivered to date.

For further information contact: 01437 765777 or email: [email protected]

You can also check out the websites: www.longcourseweekend.com and www.walessportive.com