Sunday, June 8, saw the first running of the Tour of Pembrokeshire Cyclosportive for which there were over 500 riders registered. Brilliant sunshine greeted all. Chairman Bryan Jones said: "We were blessed with beautiful weather, which allowed Pembrokeshire to be seen in all its glory. From emails, comments and postings on the forums of national cycling websites since the event, I would say that the sportive has been a tremendous success, so many riders have vowed to return, not only to next year's event, but also for family vacations." One example of many similar messages reads: I am just writing to thank you for all your efforts. Your excellent event was my first cyclosportive and it was just a superb day. I also had a great holiday down there the week before it, so you can take some credit for that too, as the sportive swung it for Pembrokeshire against Cornwall or the New Forest! I'm glad it did so - what a beautiful county. I also thank all the other people involved, the marshals and others, for giving up their time to our benefit. The ladies in the signing on tent were great as well, offering me a lot of encouragement, as after driving the first few miles to check the course I had begun to doubt my capability to get round. The lady whom I spoke to whilst registering on Saturday evening was very helpful and without that I might have bottled out, so thanks to her (and also some local cyclists) for those words of reassurance. Fortunately I had underestimated the training I had been doing on some big Lancashire hills and managed to get round the 64 miler just inside Bronze standard and without having to dismount on any climbs, although that 12% one nearly defeated me at the last! Although it was very tough, I think you struck a really good balance between making it a very difficult but extremely enjoyable ride. The scenery helped ease some of the pain as well, and we were all lucky with the weather, although frankly you deserved that after going to all the trouble to organise it. I hope you were all as happy with it as I personally was, and that the Tour of Pembrokeshire will be run again next year as I am already looking forward to coming down again for another great holiday and another great ride. I will keep training and hopefully may even be able to have a go at the longer distance. Once again, many thanks. "The event was manned by many volunteers, without whose assistance the event could not take place," co-organiser Dylan Harries said. "We will be writing to all concerned, but I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all those involved in making this such a success. Please give yourselves a big pat on the back. "The event also saw many hundreds of people support the riders on route. From feedback in emails etc, the riders were very appreciative of this and also the courtesy shown to them by the county's public. I feel very proud of our county making all welcome, many of whom travelled great distances to take part," Tim Brace said. "On a sour note, however, some irresponsible people tried their very hardest to sabotage the event, by destroying and moving route signage," added the organisers. "You know who you are and we will say no more of that. "We are now finalising the administration, including the receiving of funds in aid of Wales Air Ambulance. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so by mailing their cheques (made payable to Wales Air Ambulance) to Bryan Jones, Merryhill, St. Brides Lane, Saundersfoot, Pembs.