Long Course Weekend’s commitment to local schools and communities took a new and innovative direction during June with several local primary schools taking advantage of our first block of free cycling lessons run in partnership with Welsh Cycling.

This exciting programme has been developed to encourage children to not only get out on their bikes more, but more importantly to do so in a safe manner.

With an increased number of children getting involved with cycling events, both LCW and the national governing body have identified several areas that local primary school children can benefit from. Two time World Champion cyclist Rachel James was on hand to put the children through their paces in a fun and relaxed environment, discussing safety whilst promoting skill and balance development.

With LCW Wales (Tenby) now recognised as Europe’s largest multisport festival attracting over 10,000 international athletes from 44 countries and over 30,000 spectators, there is hope that this pilot scheme will be rolled out to all schools across Wales in the coming months.

LCW CEO Matthew Evans said of the scheme: “The LCW platform allows us to get so many people involved in sport. Our schools programme now involves the 5k, The November Challenge and now a partnership with British and Welsh Cycling. The weather stopped play on the second day, but we will be back to visit more schools in the coming months.

“Living and growing up here in Pembrokeshire does lend itself to a very outdoor lifestyle, and we hope the LCW programmes can help children discover and play safer in our unique surroundings.

“I would like to thank Lamphey, St Oswalds, St Florence and Saundersfoot schools for signing up to the first wave of the programme. Unfortunately rain stopped play for Saundersfoot , but they will be first on the list for the next visit!”