On Saturday 26 May, as part of Aberystwyth Cycle Festival, Richard Parks and Lowri Morgan officially launched Wales360, Wales’ newest and most ambitious mountain bike event taking place for the first time on 22 – 29 July 2019. Brought to you by SweetSpot Group, organisers of events such as the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, Wales360 will challenge riders and reward them with a truly unique mountain biking adventure.

Wales360 may be a brand new event for 2019, but Wales is already firmly established as a world class mountain biking destination, with its trails and natural riding regularly named among the UK's best. A mountain bike mecca worth exploring, Wales360 is all about a celebration of superb mountain biking and of Wales.

A first of it’s kind in the UK, Wales360 will bring to Wales and the UK an event similar to the legendary Cape Epic. Making it another addition on the ‘must do’ list of off-road challenges based around the world.

Wales360 is a six day cross country (XC) mountain bike ride. A genuine point to point ride and traces a challenging 550 kilometre route around Mid and North Wales. After a wonderful day in the saddle riders will enjoy the social surroundings of the Wales360 Camp each night, chatting with like minded riders and reliving the days ride whilst enjoying some Welsh hospitality, food and drink. 

‘We are delighted to be bringing Wales360 to the hills, forests and countryside of Wales in 2019. A challenge for the 500 participants, we’ll see them cycling over 90 kilometres a day for six days supporting each other in teams of two. Wales360 will be a real celebration of off-road cycling and all that Wales has to offer’ said Hugh Roberts, Executive Chairman of SweetSpot Group. 

Wales360 will appeal to experienced mountain bikers with an interest in cross country (XC) riding and endurance events but will also appeal to those with only a moderate amount of experience on a mountain bike but who enjoy pushing themselves to their limits.

Officially launched at the Old College, Aberystwyth, event ambassadors Richard Parks and Lowri Morgan were on hand to introduce the event to the industry, partners and invited guests. 

‘Wales has some of the best adventure terrain, facilities and mountain biking trails on the planet.‘ said Richard Parks, ‘From the longest to the highest, I’ve been privileged to experience some of the world’s best off road cycling routes. I’m proud to be part of Wales360 and super excited to race in the inaugural event in 2019. It’s going to be awesome!’

‘Wales 360 is going to provide an opportunity for mountain bikers and adventure enthusiasts to set themselves a challenge. More and more people are pushing themselves outside their comfort zone to achieve great things and we look forward to seeing our inaugural Wales360 riders reaching the finish line next July’ said Lowri Morgan. 

Minister for Culture Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “I’m delighted that the Welsh Government is supporting this event.  It promises to be an exciting six days and a great showcase for Wales’ magnificent landscapes and the adventures which can be had here.  It’s also a great event for our Year of Discovery in 2019 as participants will have the opportunity to see more of Wales and our world class trails – as well as discovering what they can achieve during this endurance event next year.”

Chief Executive of Welsh Cycling, Anne Adams-King said “We are absolutely delighted to be working closer and closer with SweetSpot Group. Our Welsh Mountain Bike Cross Country Series is growing each year, which truly highlights the popularity and increase of interest within the discipline. To bring a large scale event like Wales360 to Wales will be an incredible opportunity to not only further showcase the beauty that Wales has to offer as a world class mountain bike destination; but also inspire others to get involved to try the discipline. We look forward to seeing the event unfold next year and supporting the riders as they compete in the first of many Wales360’s!”.

More information on route details and how to enter were announced at the launch and are now available online at www.wales360.com