The 2009 route is similar to 08 apart from the initial 20km which takes riders east through Llantrisant Forest (The Smilog), Coedely and Gilfach Goch. This new loop includes three short sharp climbs before we rejoin the route used last year in Blackmill. This section is followed by the first major climb of the day The Bwlch, 20 miles from the start. The Bwlch Mountain road is once again climbed twice, the second time on the return leg from the Afan Valley (the longest ascent of this mountain road). The climb over Llangeinor Mountain with it's tricky descent will be the final hill of the day on the run back to the finish.

The route takes in two classic UK category 1 climbs as used in the past on the Tour of Britain and the Milk Race. The ride winds its way along the former mining valleys of South Wales, (Ogmore, Rhondda, Swansea, Neath, Afan and Garw). The longer Gran Fondo route takes in a loop into the heart of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park.

The new start section adds approximately 10km and 260 metres of climbing to the route used last year.

Feed stations with plentiful supplies of water, energy drink, food (bananas, & cakes), additional supplies will be held in reserve. Medical, mechanical support by Mavic and toilets facilities on route will be available.





Medio Fondo 130km / 81miles

Start Pencoed Technology Park, between 08.00am and 09.30am. Depart Eastward on A473 via Brynna, Coedely, Gilfach Goch (A4093) to Blackmill. North on A4061, Bwlch mountain road, A4061 Rhondda Valley, Rhigos mountain road (feed station). Hirwaun (180km split, see Gran Fondo), B4242 to Glynneath /A4109/ A4230 (Neath), B4287 Cimla (feed station), Pontrydyfen, A4107 Afan Valley, Bwlch mountain road (second ascent), A4061 Nantymoel, B4280 Heol-y-Cyw, A473. Finish is back at Pencoed College.



(Approx. 2300m of climbing).
 







Gran Fondo 190km/ 117 miles

As above route plus 60km additional loop. A4059 Penderyn, A470 (Storey Arms), A4215 Defynnog, A4067 (Cray Reservoir - feed station), Abercraf, A4221/A4109, Rejoin above route at Glynneath.



(Approx. 3000m of climbing).








Climb Statistics

Bwlch 1 (130 & 190km routes, approached from the south - Nantymoel)
Ascent - 800ft/243m
Distance - 3.1m/4.7km
Max% - 14 (steep section from clock tower at start, only a few hundred meters)
Ave % - 6


Rhigos (130 & 190Km routes)
Ascent - 1000ft/307m
Distance - 3.9m/6.3km
Max% - 6.7
Ave % - 4.5

Cray (190km route)
Ascent - 591ft/181m
Distance - 5.9m/9.5km
Max% - 6.2
Ave % - 2.42

Coelbren (190km route)
Ascent - 387ft/122m
Distance - 1.5m/2.4km
Max% - 7.6
Ave % - 4.7

Cimla (130 & 190Km routes)
Ascent - 472ft/145m
Distance - 1.7m/2.7km
Max% - 8
Ave % - 4.4

Bwlch 2 (from the west - Afan Valley)
Ascent - 1060ft/326m
Distance - 4.3m/7km
Max% - 8.25
Ave % - 4.57


Page updated 2st May 2009