2023 was the first edition of Mountains of the Merfynion – a route through Wales that combines everything from hike-a-bike and single track to smooth forestry tracks and sweeping asphalt. 16 riders made it to the start line and nine of these eventually reached the finish.
The route proved to be as challenging as predicted, with some very slow-going sections. But the riders were tested further by a number of diversions in the northern section thanks to road closures due to a rally taking place. However, the weather at least remained favourable, allowing the riders to see Wales in all its glory.
Unsurprisingly, the pace was fast from the start but soon slowed swiftly after CP1. It was Brynn Davies who took the lead during the first night and he held this advantage to the finish, gradually growing his gap over the following two days. He arrived having slept barely more than an hour and with painful trench foot, but still managed to go into work later that day!
Follow their ride through the photos below.
Photos thanks to Rob Gardiner (@robgardinercyclist), Kitty Dennis (@bluberrysmoothie_photos) & Nadia Shahanaz Hussain (@nadiashahanaz)
