Coed Y Brenin hits top gear with cyclists

The cream of Europe's mountain bike media headed to Coed y Brenin when Shimano - the world's largest manufacturer of bike parts - chose the iconic venue for the launch of its new XTR drivetrain (gears) system. The selection of Coed y Brenin for this eagerly anticipated event provided Europe-wide exposure for the Forestry Commission Wales location and cemented its reputation as one of the best places in the world to go mountain biking. The Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre and surrounding forest mountain bike and walking trails, near Dolgellau, have recently undergone a £1.6m upgrade to cater for the massive growth in visitor numbers. The transformation of Coed y Brenin into a major tourist destination has seen visitor numbers at the existing centre increase from 13,000 in 1994 to 100,000 a year by 2004, approximately 50% of whom come for cycling. Will Fripp, Marketing Manager for Madison, Shimano's UK distributor, said, "The selection of Coed y Brenin for this event means the eyes of the mountain biking world will, once again, be focused on North Wales and the exciting opportunities for biking it has to offer. "Coed y Brenin is a 'must do' destination for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of mountain biking on solid, well-constructed trails that are the equal of trails to be found anywhere." Each year, cyclists pump approximately £1.5m into the pubs, restaurants and B&Bs in the Dolgellau area. With cycle tourism estimated to be worth as much as £18m to Wales with potential to expand to over £41m by 2007, Coed y Brenin has become one of the jewels in Wales's tourism crown. FC Wales Visitor Services Manager Andy Fryers said, "Shimano is one of the biggest players in mountain biking and it's fitting that it should select Coed y Brenin, which is widely acknowledged as one of the best places anywhere for this activity, for this important high-profile launch. "We've put a lot of investment - both financially and emotionally - into the new visitor centre and trails and we're confident that Coed y Brenin is now ready to build on its reputation as a peerless destination for the experienced mountain biker and, indeed, for the novice cyclist." For more information on the project visit www.forestry.gov.uk