A CHARITY cycle which finished in Prestatyn was backed by Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas.

More than 60 participants tackled 70 miles in the saddle - and 5000 metres of climbing - as they took on the monster effort from Abererch on the Llyn Peninsula to Prestatyn to raise funds for CAIS, a charity and voluntary sector provider of personal support services in Wales.

About £4,500 was raised. Other locations the challengers ventured through included Denbigh, St Asaph and Rhuddlan.

Rhyl Journal:

Presentation: The challenge was supported by members of Prestatyn-based Lon Las Loonies and cycling clubs from across North Wales

Thomas, who has secured two Olympic medals, one Tour de France win, five UCI Track Cycling World Championships medals and two Commonwealth Games medals, praised organisers through a video message, which was posted online by ride participant and former Glamorgan cricketer Will Owen.

In the message, Thomas said: “I just wanted to say a huge well done for organising the Ride for CAIS.

“I heard it was a great turn out. I hope you raised plenty of money and all the best for the future.”

Clive Wolfendale, CAIS chief executive, who joined the final stages of the cycle, said: “I’d like to extend our thanks to the team behind Ride for CAIS for a wonderfully organised event, their generosity of spirit and energy - and to the dozens of cyclists for taking part in support of our work.

“Many in our communities face significant challenges in their lives, and we will use these vital funds to help more people reach their full potential through rehabilitation, recovery, better health, independence and employment.”

The event was organised by Dom and Esyllt Senger, Tom Alexander and Guy Bancroft, who together have raised thousands of pounds for good causes.

It was supported by members of Prestatyn-based Lon Las Loonies and cycling clubs from across North Wales. The day concluded with an Australian-themed family fun day at the town’s Cross Foxes.

The quartet hope to repeat the event in 2020.

“We pleased to have had so many positive comments and compliments about the ride - and we’re already thinking ahead to how we can build on the event next year,” Dom said.