Published: 28 July 2023

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity is delighted to have been chosen as the Charity of Choice for The Cambrian Gravel Challenge.

The two day biking challenge will take place this weekend (29 July and 30 July) and will see more than 150 riders riding on-and-off road.

The race, which comes following the success of last summer’s test event, will start from Knighton on the English border to the Elan Valley in mid-Wales and across the Cambrian Mountains via Offa’s Dyke and back again the following day.

Totalling 90 km each day the event is open to gravel and mountain bike riders who are seeking some of the very best trails in the UK with stunning scenery and fantastic support from event organisers Bagman Cycling.

Owen Watkins, of Bagman Cycling, said: “We’re excited to be supporting Wales Air Ambulance this year. We’re not exclusively a charity event but we always like to give something back to the local community.

“We did a quick poll around the office and the Wales Air Ambulance was the resounding favourite. I was chuffed to bits. As adventure cyclists ourselves we’re only too aware of the potential hazards involved when we’re a long way from help and Wales Air Ambulance provide an invaluable resource to all of us with a love of the great outdoors.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £8 million every year to operate its lifesaving service and relies on generous donations from its loyal supporters.    

Since its inception on March 1, 2001, the Charity has carried out more than 45,500 missions and provides vital 24/7 emergency cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries.

Helen Pruett, Community Fundraiser for the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to thank Bagman Cycling for choosing our lifesaving charity as its Charity of Choice at this year’s Cambrian Gravel Challenge.

“Your donations will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most, whether that is by air or by road. Your support is much appreciated and good luck to everyone taking part in the two day event this weekend.”

Further details of The Cambrian Gravel Challenge can be found at https://www.bagman.website/cambrian-challenge/