The new closed road circuit in Pembrey Country Park has held its first national event.

The penultimate round of the National Youth Series 2018 was held on the circuit – after it hosted the opening stage of the OVO Tour of Britain.

A total of 191 riders competed on the purpose-built 1.7km circuit.

Four elite youth races took place, with cyclists from all over the UK competing at under 14 and under 16 categories.

The circuit provides a safe, traffic-free environment for coaching and training as well as competitive cycling events and public recreation.

It has been designed and built to British cycling standard, with a 6m wide tarmac surface of varying gradients and bends, to attract local, regional and national events, races and training camp.

Carmarthenshire County Council contributed £500,000 capital funding towards the circuit, with support from Welsh Cycling and Sport Wales.

Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes-Griffiths, said: “Our aim is that this will be the best off-road cycling circuit in Wales, if not the UK, as part of our ambition for Carmarthenshire to become the cycling hub of Wales. It was great to see young riders from across the UK coming to race at Pembrey on the weekend, just days after hosting some of the world’s best cyclists for the grand depart of the OVO Tour of Britain.”

The circuit is open to the public day to day and free to use, but is also available for exclusive bookings. It is managed by Welsh Cycling.

For more information please visit pembreycountrypark.wales or to book the track please see the British Cycling website.