The Event

The Battle on the Beach event was spread over both the Saturday and Sunday to ensure that all riders of age and ability had the opportunity to take part in a category most suitable for them.

The Saturday saw the children’s categories: Under 8, 10 and 12 races take part. After these, the first annual Battle in the Dark event began, sponsored by Lezyne lights. This was a single 10km lap on a time trial basis with all riders cycling in the dark, along the beach front.

Sunday’s events began with the Little Biker’s challenges for all young ones ripping it on balance bikes. Shortly after, the main mass start event begun at midday.

This Battle on the Beach race is constructed from 15km loops stretching across the South Wales coastline. All “open” category riders completed three loops of the track, while “fun” riders completed two.

On Sunday, hundreds of riders and spectators gathered on the beach to watch the mass event kick off. With a cooling breeze in the air, and the tide over a mile out, the race was ready to begin. You could feel the excitement and anticipation of the riders as they lined up, clipped in and prepared to set off out of the sandy dunes.

When the horn sounded and the race kicked off, some riders powered through the loose sand and onto the harder flats, whilst others found it easier to run with their bike and jump aboard when they reached more solid ground.

The Weekend

The winners from each category were presented with cash prizes trophies and gifts from the sponsors. The fastest woman to complete the 3 laps was Karen Brouwer steaming ahead with a finishing time of 1:49:20.

From the 800 registered riders, 558 took part in the final race on Sunday. From that massive amount, only 58 women were amongst them riders. This tells us that we need more women out there, on the beach, rolling the fat tires for next year.

With camping on site, plenty of riding to be done and categories for all the family to enter, the Battle on the Beach annual race is family friendly, challenging and super fun.

Thankfully the Welsh weather held out, leaving it dry, if not a little chilly. Although none of that seemed to damper the energetic spirit of all those who attended: racers or spectators.

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