Anyone know or suspect why they may be pulling the plug on the Transwales after this years event, I know the talk is to make a similar event that will not be as long and more technical, but I have heard so many good things about the Trans in its current format (which I am doing this year) so I was wondering why its finishing. Wonder whether its lack of entries, not covering itself financially or logistically too difficult. Any ideas
lack of entries, not covering itself financially or logistically too difficult. Any ideas
Probably something like that.
I raced the first one in 2006, and whilst it was pretty good I wouldn't do another. It was labelled as an endurance race, yet the linking stages, where endurance was tested were pretty easy. Getting time penalties for getting in late never affected overall results. The special stages were fast and furious, and ideal for XC racers, but not any real test of endurance, as they were just sprints for 30 mins or so.
The killer for me though was the weather (which was rubbish), and having to spend a whole week riding in Wales in rubbish weather. It just became a chore after 3-4 days and as it was effectively my summer riding trip/holiday, reduced the enjoyment. So, the next year I went to Verbier instead!
Ha Ha, was quite looking forward to it before I read that 🙂
hmm, I was going to enter next year too, hohum 🙁
hmm, I was going to enter next year too, hohum
I think the transwales in some form or another will exist, but not in the traditional 7 day trans event as such, if I read between the lines.
I reckon when team YMCA/TRANSGENDER/MELYD turn up this years will be canned by the halfway mark fella.... good luck Hughjengin hope you aren't too sore by the end of it!
From what I've heard they'll do a harder three day type of event. Be interested to see the entry list year on year. I expect it's somewhat smaller than when I did it. Biggest killer apart from weather as the days riding aren't time, you just get a 7hour window. The special stages, were just 20/30min flat out sprints. Be intestested to do it again if the whole day's were timed rather than just the special stage. Don't think they can do much about the weather though 🙁
Ha Ha, whytetrash, looking forward to it now provised the weather sorts itself out. Daily updates will be on the Transuk website and the Gore website I think. But I will try and keep everyone updated as we go. Twitter probably
Don't think they can do much about the weather though
Hold it March or April - or September...
Always fancied doing the TransWales, but it comes at too high a cost (in £ and No. days leave...) 🙁
Be intestested to do it again if the whole day's were timed rather than just the special stage
My thoughts were the same, I know it would make the whole event harder and less social in one way, and thats not for everyone, however I think its what may keep the motivation going day on day, rather than just plodding through another long ride.
However I know this is nothing to do with the organisers, and its the ridiculous bridleway laws in the country that restrict anysort of competetion. So the organisers have done all they can, within the law to give everyone some competetive element.