National Road Championships return to West Wales this summer
CEREDIGION will host the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships from June 26 to 29, bringing elite-level cycling to west Wales – and Pembrokeshire residents are being encouraged to make the short trip across the border to enjoy the action.
A total of ten national champion's jerseys will be contested across three days of racing, with the time-trial on Thursday, June 26, the circuit race on Friday, June 27, and the road race concluding the event on Sunday, June 29.
Entries for all events are open now and will close at midnight on Sunday, June 1. Full route details can be found at www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/news/2025/routes-revealed-for-the-2025-lloyds-national-road-championships
Time-trial – Aberaeron – Thursday, June 26
The opening event takes place around Aberaeron, with a challenging route beginning in Ffos-y-ffin and heading along fast-rolling roads to Ciliau Aeron before returning via a short but steep climb at Rhiw Goch. Elite women and under-23 riders will cover 27km, while elite men will face a 41km course.
Circuit race – Aberystwyth – Friday, June 27
The circuit race will take place in Aberystwyth on Friday evening. Riders will race for 50 minutes plus five laps on a 1.6km loop through the town centre, including Pier Street, Portland Street and Queens Road. The start and finish line will be on the seafront promenade. Spectators will have several opportunities to see the action as riders pass iconic landmarks like the Bandstand and old college.
Road race – Aberystwyth – Sunday, June 29
The championships culminate in a gruelling road race beginning on Aberystwyth's promenade and heading out towards Trawsgoed on a 23.4km anti-clockwise loop. The course includes a maximum gradient of 9.1% and a technical 13.8% descent from Moriah to the A44. The women's race will cover 128km and the men's 187km, finishing on the seafront.
The finishing circuits, which loop through the old harbour and over Trefechan Bridge, are expected to deliver a thrilling end to each race.
Stevie Williams, winner of last year's Lloyds Tour of Britain Men and a native of Aberystwyth, said: 'Racing on home roads is a rare opportunity which always makes it extra special, so I can't wait to get out on the roads I know so well.'
Jonathan Day, Managing Director for British Cycling Events, said: 'The locations for each of the championships are stunning and provide a great test for the riders. There are multiple opportunities for spectators to see the riders pass these iconic landmarks.'
Ceredigion County Council has worked closely with organisers to support the event, which is expected to bring visitors and cycling fans from across the UK.
Councillor Clive Davies said: 'The routes will demonstrate all that Ceredigion has to offer, from the coast to the countryside, taking in iconic sights along the way.'
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans said the event was a key milestone as Wales prepares to host the Tour de France for the first time in 2027.
Picture caption:
Tour of Britain: When it visited Aberystwyth in 2021
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