NEARLY 1500 cyclists took the county roads this weekend for the 2017 Tour of Pembrokeshire.

And all helped contribute to another stunningly successful tour event.

For the first time, the distance of the rides were upped so that participants could tackle the 60, 80, or 130 mile routes - and conditions for cycling were nigh on perfect with the cloudy weather giving way to outbreaks of sunshine.

And there was no shortage of high profile entrants, with Dame Katherine Jane Grainger DBE, the rower who with five Olympic medals is Great Britain's most decorated female Olympian - amongst those to congregate at the start line at Crug Glas Country House from around 6am in the morning.

Another British rower in Jessica Eddie, who won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics, Anne Panter, an English field hockey international who won bronze at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and Tori James, the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest, also took part.

Indeed Tori took time to give a motivational talk at the registration evening and pre-tour dinner on the Friday night.

Food stations and marshals were scattered across the county to help the cyclists, and afterwards many heaped praise on the event.

"I came over from London and rode the 80 mile course," said Paul O'Brien.

"It was fantastic in every aspect - the people, the food, the atmosphere and the weather."

Colin Barrett of the Tenby Aces, said: "The club had a fantastic day.

"We over-indulged at the amazing feed stations - but the new 80 mile route was great and all the volunteers did an amazing job.

"Already looking forward to next year."

Ian Herbert, who tackled the 130 mile course, said:  "It was a brutal day on the saddle.

"But the organisation was first class. There were warm welcoming officials and helpers, and great feed stations.

"A day to remember but anyone intending to ride the 130 mile route I'd advise you to being your best climbing legs."

Glenn Thwaites added: "The best sportive I've done to date and the toughest.

"Some brutal climbing and the Preseli's in that headwind was so tough. But I loved it and will be back for sure."

There was great support for cyclists all over the county, and they rode into Goodwick to be greeted by live music from the Samba Doc band.

Inevitably, some cyclists were lost to fatigue, injury, or technical problems, but the vast majority returned to the finish line all smiles.

Those with foresight also pre-booked an after race massage, with Michael Lawrence on hand to treat those with aches, pains, and sore muscles.

And the weekend didn't end there, with the annual family or recovery rides taking place on Sunday.

Again, the weather was kind with adults and youngsters alike enjoying sunshine and superb conditions as they tackled either the 20 or 40 mile routes.