The second annual Tour of Pembrokeshire Cyclosportive took place on Sunday.

With over 700 entries, it's an event now firmly established in the diaries of cyclists throughout the UK and overseas.

On the day, more than 500 cyclists braved the inclement weather and tackled either the 100km or 200km courses.

As well as having become a major sporting event in the county, the tour also raises substantial funds for Wales Air Ambulance.

Whilst the proceeds of the 2009 tour are still being calculated, the charity received donations totalling an incredible £12,000 in 2008! This scale of support is invaluable and means we can keep flying, saving time and saving lives.

Said Mike Ashbridge, Pembrokeshire coordinator for Wales Air Ambulance: " On behalf of everyone at Wales Air Ambulance, I would like to extend an enormous thank you to the three organisers of the event, Bryan Jones, Tim Brace and Dylan Harries. You did a fantastic job!

"Many thanks also to the many sponsors of the event whose support makes it all possible.

"These include the main sponsor Chevron and also Folly Farm, FBM Holidays, Ashmole and Co, Pembrokeshire Photography, Garlands , Everyday Cycling, W3 Webdesign and Lydstep Beach Village.

"And finally, thanks to the cyclists themselves for competing in such difficult conditions and supporting Wales Air Ambulance. Watching the event made me comment about taking part next year - a remark I'm sure to regret!

"Once again, many thanks to all involved in organising, supporting, marshalling and cycling, your support really does save lives."

RAYNET

assists riders

Pembrokeshire RAYNET once again assisted in communications for the Tour of Pembrokeshire Cycle Ride, with HQ at Folly Farm, Begelly.

Members were situated at five key points, which were also watering stations, reporting back to Bryan Jones and his staff and also to Commissioner Nigel Lewis of the St. John Ambulance Service.

A repeater was used in the Presseli Mountains which enabled communication to areas that might otherwise have been difficult.

Information was passed all day with reference to numbers of riders, accidents, messages from course marshals, breakdowns, etc.

Manning the repeater in the Presseli's was Peter Hyams, GW4OZU; at Goodwick - Julie and Roy Cobb MW0COB; at Newgale Beach - Tim Vlismas, GW0TMV; at Castlemartin - Richard Snape, MW0XDT and at Pembroke Rugby Club - Ian Baker, MW0IBZ.

Present at the control station, Folly Farm, were Alan Dicker, GW3VEN, RAYNET chairman and Ray Richards GW3CR, deputy.