More than 40 riders, not all of them club members, took part in the Paramount CRT Stan’s Cycles Autumn Sportive, which was held on Sunday(SEPT 28) in the stunning Mid Wales countryside.
The £1,125 raised from entrance fees will now be split between the Severn Hospice, which cares and supports families across Shropshire and north Powys living with incurable illnesses, the RSPB and Ysgol Carno, where villagers are raising money to build a new permanent school to replace a temporary building.
Paramount CRT is a road racing club, set up 25-years-ago and made up of season racers and cyclists making their first step into racing.
The sportive set off from Machynlleth and ended at Lake Vyrnwy, with riders having a choice of three routes – a short 27-mile, a medium 65-mile and a long 88-mile route.
Ben Lawrence, managing director of Paramount CRT sponsors insurance broker Beaumont Lawrence, said: “It was a lovely day, really sunny and with beautiful scenery and a few of the riders said it was the best ride they’ve ever had on a bike.
“We had a real mix of men and women among the competitors and riders ranged from age 11 at the youngest to 50-odd.
“My son Dylan was the youngest entrant and he finished the full 27-mile race. It was his first big competitive event on a bike and he did incredibly well to get up those hills. I was so proud of him.”
Each competitor, including non-Paramount members, paid £25 each to enter and the charities the event has supported have been chosen by members of the Paramount team, many of whom took part in the event.
“Paramount CRT is all about competitive road cycling, whether that’s road racing, time trialling, sportives or training,” added Mr Lawrence.
“We want to encourage riding at all levels and a sportive is a great introduction to the sport.
“We also want to give our members the chance to achieve the highest standard of cycling, competitive or recreational, that they aspire to. And to raise money for great causes at the same time is something all members are pleased to do – the charities we are raising money for were chosen by our members themselves.”