For all of Wales’ biking pedigree and achievements on the biggest stages, for most riders it remains the Welsh landscape that is the real star of the country’s cycling scene.
“Riding in the Dyfi area makes me feel like I am completely connected with the land,” says Atherton. “I can’t help but be grateful for the opportunity to experience [the nature of] our home country as it always has been – and having a bloody good time doing it!”
This sentiment is echoed by Alan Davis, who believes the Welsh countryside not only entices riders to get out on their bike to enjoy it, but is a secret weapon when it comes to building cycling stars of the future.
“People ask me if I think the success that Geraint [Thomas] enjoyed is down to the environment that we have here in Wales, and, to be honest, it’s hard to challenge that,” says Davis. “Our coastline, hills and mountains are forces to be reckoned with and I’d like to think that’s what’s built Geraint’s endurance – and his legs! – for competitive races like the Tour de France.”
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