“Being back on home-ground and racing in Carmarthen is obviously something that I have never experienced before and something that I probably will not experience again,” said Manon Lloyd as she reflected on her debut ride in this year’s OVO Energy Women’s Tour.

The final two stages of the OVO Energy Women’s Tour took place in Wales and the sixth and final stage was set in her home-county of Carmarthenshire and recounting that special experience she said: “The home crowd were amazing as well! There was so many people cheering my name – it was just really special.”

This year, the tour was increased from five to six days which also included the ‘toughest ever’ stage from Llandrindod Wells to Builth Wells. “This week has been really hard. Obviously I came down in that crash on day three so my body is really sore, but I am very happy I have made it to the final day,” said Lloyd when asked about the how hard the race had been.

She continued, “This week has been very, very tough. It is definitely one of the hardest races I have ever done. I think just the nature of the course, with over 2,000 metres of climbing in Stage five and then today with 1,800 metres of climbing, it has been very difficult.”

In terms of what is next in store for the Welsh cyclist, it seems that a vital stint of rest and recovery is much needed as she explained: “I think I’m just going to have a break after this. My body needs to recover because it’s been under a lot of stress, so it just needs to recuperate.”

Despite its brutality and unforgiving terrain, the ability to race in her home-county, which she branded as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”, is an aspect of her career that will stay with Manon Lloyd forever.

Image credits - SWPix