Sunday, September 5 saw the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland stage its annual cycle fundraising event that is known as 'Il Giro de Pembrokeshire.'

The idea is the brainchild of the Rotary’s own cycling enthusiast, Rotarian David Haward, and has in the past, raised funds for various charities supported by the club.

This year the main charity chosen was the British Heart Foundation.

Many local clubs were represented with riders from Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire but this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the only international riders were from England, two from Gloucestershire and one from Hertfordshire.

A total of 80 riders registered for the ride, including 12-year-old Caio Sior Jones who rode the long route along with his grandfather Norman Mason.

The cyclists mustered in a blaze of lycra at the starting point, Narberth’s Bloomfield Community Centre on Northfield Road, at 9am.

The weather was dry, if a little overcast, with a gentle breeze blowing as they set off on their challenge. The finishing point was located at Narberth Rugby Club – less than half a mile distant.

Two routes were available to ride on the day, a 60-mile option with plenty of elevation changes, aimed at the hard-core cyclist, together with a less arduous 30-miler.

First to cross the finishing line in the 60-mile route were Ashley Thompson and Riki Karaka whilst the first 30-miler to finish was Katherine Brace.

A total in excess of £1,000 was raised from the ride, which will be used to support British Heart Foundation (Wales) together with other Rotary-supported charities.

The Rotary Club thanked Bloomfield House Community Centre, Narberth Rugby Club and the many volunteers who acted as marshals, rider support and registration and provision of refreshment both during the ride and at the finish.