GARETH Davies, chairman of Welsh Rugby Union, was one of thousands to complete the 50km sportive Velothon Wales event and hopes to take on the 140km next year.

He said: “I’ve only been on the bike a dozen times so this is a fantastic achievement for me. Velothon Wales is in the top five biggest cycling events in the world and it’s only in its first year – it’s going to grow significantly.

"I enjoyed it although the bit I didn’t like was going up Caerphilly Mountain but it was fantastic riding through the Welsh countryside – everyone was having a great time.

"This event has been wonderful for Wales. It’s brought in new people, spending money locally, appreciating the scenery. It reflects how Wales can host major events - we’ve had the Ryder Cup, we have the Ashes, football, the rugby and now world-class cycling.”