AROUND 2,500 charity cyclists are facing disappointment at the postponement, due to weather conditions, of the Carten 100 ride into Pembrokeshire tomorrow (Saturday).

The forecast of Storm Hannah has left Carten’s organisers no option, on safety grounds, of calling the huge event off for this weekend.

The ride – between Cardiff and Tenby - has raised over £1m for charity in its 15 years of existence, and this is the first time it has had to be postponed.

On behalf of the organisers, Carten 100’s organiser, Peter Palmer, said that with forecast wind speeds as high as 42mph, gusting up to 55mph, the safety of riders could not be guaranteed.

Writing on the event’s Facebook group last night, he said: “We have not come to this decision lightly, but we have been in discussion alongside our partners and riders whilst closely monitoring weather charts to see if the storm will alter its course. However, on the advice of the local councils, the police, and our medical team, we feel it is unsafe to have the ride go ahead as planned this Saturday.”

Riders, who include a strong contingent from Pembrokeshire, are being asked to keep their ride numbers as it is hoped to reschedule the event.

Mr Palmer told riders: “We aim to communicate this information as soon as we can, but this will take time. We work across six local authorities and we’ve spent six months on this event. We will work as fast as we can to alter the set plans to allow you to ride in 2019.

“To those who are still intending to cycle to Tenby on Saturday, we ask you to be extremely careful and consider your safety.

“We have a fantastic team of volunteers, partners and supporters, but ultimately it is our riders that make this event possible. First and foremost, we value your safety, and we cannot put this at risk.

“We thank you for your understanding this difficult decision, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.”