North Wales has been given £6 million to develop a cycling Centre of Excellence and expand its mountain bike trails.
The news comes just weeks after we exclusively announced that South Wales was to get over £5m to create its own cycling Centre of Excellence.
Coed y Brenin and Llandegla are to get new cross-country trails and improved facilities, while a downhill-specific area will be developed at Llechwedd quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog.
New cycling loops will also be created around Tanygrisiau lake, and a cycle link will be built from the Urdd’s Glan-llyn site near Bala to the village of Llanuwchllyn.
Andy Braund, Forestry Commission Wales Mountain Bike Ranger for Coed y Brenin and Gwyder told us: "'This is great news for mountain biking in North Wales. We'll be able to broaden the existing product to appeal to more people and different types of rider - encouraging more participation and allowing people to increase their skills, confidence and ultimately have more fun on bikes!"
Speaking at the launch of the project at Llandegla, Welsh Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones said: “Here in Coed Llandegla and across North Wales, cyclists will be able to enjoy this outstanding natural environment together with the latest high quality facilities.
"I hope these centres will attract more visitors to every corner of Wales and this demonstrates how serious the Assembly Government is about supporting this vital sector of the Welsh economy.”
Funding for the work has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities.
This is awesome news for mountain bikers in North Wales and the Midlands, and we can’t wait for the centres to be built. Have your say in the comments box below.