THE first-ever Hay Bike Fest launches next month – giving riders of all abilities reason to get on their bike and take on the same Brecon Beacon training tracks that shaped Nicole Cooke’s route to Olympic gold.

Running from April 12-14 the inaugural of celebration of cycling features three days of group rides – from long-range road routes to leisure rides through black on white villages – alongside workshops and skills sessions hosted by Drover Cycles in an expo at Hay Castle.

Drover Cycles Anna Haywood, also the event organiser, said: “We want to show there’s more to Hay than just literature.

“The Bike Fest will make the most of the scenic, and at times challenging, landscapes that we have here.”

Looking to double down on the success of Hay Walking Festival, organisers hope the Bike fest will bring cyclists from around the UK to ride the area – used by Olympian Cooke and World Sprint Champion Becky James for training.

Julie James, Chairman of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, added: “We’re delighted to be able to help promote this event which champions health, wellbeing and an active lifestyle.

“I’m confident its programme filled with quality and quantity will draw cycling enthusiasts from near and far.”

Kicking things off on the Friday, a 60-80km Black Mountain road ride led by elite triathlete Tom Sturdy, and the 35km Black and White village ride, will be followed by a night ride.

Saturday’s loaded itinerary features a 30km Breeze ride – just for the ladies - a 35km ride led by Dave Price, a ‘challenging’ black route for mountain bikers in Talgarth, and a time trial in Hay.

The final day is headlined by the Sportive, registered with British Cycling, where riders will battle the course and the clock.

Sunday also offers a 55km self-guided Sportive taster road ride, the chance for beginners to have a go at Cyclocross, a mountain bike orienteering at Trewern, and a 60km leisure ride to Brecon and back.

To find out more about the Hay Tourism Group organised event, visit www.haycycling.org .