Tenby’s new Mayor has praised all those taking part in Saturday’s Cardiff to Tenby Carten100 charity ride, which saw participants glad to reach the refreshments marquee at the harbour, after taking on the challenge in sweltering heat.

The popular ride returned on the weekend, finishing for the first time in Tudor Square since before the pandemic, as last year’s route took cyclists over to the Clicketts.

The gruelling 100 mile event isn’t a race, it’s a challenge, and from an initial four riders in 2004, the challenge of riding from the Welsh capital to the Pembrokeshire seaside town has kept growing in popularity with more and more friends, colleagues and acquaintances joining in, with now almost 2,000 riders taking part.

The event’s main charity this year was the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, with other charities to benefit, include - Multiple Sclerosis Society Cymru, Kids Cancer Charity and Pembrokeshire Care, Share and Give.

You can see the riders coming in to Tenby from mid-afternoon, where they will be welcomed by the spectators in Tenby Square, before heading to the harbour for refreshments.

A road closure was in place for Tenby’s High Street and Tudor Square from 1 to 8 pm, as riders began to reach the town, with plenty of support to welcome them.

In one of his first events since being installed as Mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan was on hand to welcome participants.

“What a day yesterday - and an absolute pleasure to be down the harbour to welcome in some of the 1900 cyclists doing the Carten100,” he said.

“100 miles cycling from Cardiff to Tenby is no easy task in normal conditions let alone in that heat!

“Met with some of the armies of volunteers, without whom, this is not possible, and the huge amounts raised for good causes would be lost.

“Tenby Sea Cadets who help with the cyclists’ luggage did a sterling job as ever, whilst Tenby and District Lions as always, work hard to make sure everyone is fed at the end and again raising money for local causes.

“But my favourite part of the day was having a guided tour of the finish tent by Daisy, also having a shirt presented by her. Having someone as young as her helping the Carten100 really dose show what this event is all about.

“Thank you Pete and all involved I look forward to next year’s 20th ride. See you in Cardiff,” added the Mayor.

Tenby and District Lions club President Neil Evans and fellow club members who organised the finishing party, thanked everyone who attended and for making the day such a great success!

A big thank you went to Peter Palmer and the Carten team, Phil and his team from Pembrokeshire Drinks Co, Pembrokeshire County Council, Tenby Sea Cadets, Blue Sky Marquees, and Andrew Rees Butchers.

Any food that was left was donated to local charities.