npower renewables energy trail powers into action at Afan

The npower renewables Energy Trail was officially launched today (Friday 12 October) in a blaze of mountain biking glory, as Welsh VIPS and guests were wowed by an action packed mountain bike display from some of the UK's top bikers. The launch of the trail marks a significant step in helping secure the future of the trails, considered to be among the best in the world, having attracted thousands of visitors and investment into the Afan Valley area. The red-rated mountain bike trail is the latest addition to the internationally acclaimed Afan Valley site in Neath Port Talbot, which was the only UK mountain biking destination to be included in the top ten of a world wide poll of trails to "ride before you die" The new trail is being sponsored in the long-term by npower renewables, and will help maintain Afan's place on the mountain-biking map. Afan is already the most visited mountain bike destination in Wales and second in the UK, with bike-visit numbers increasing from 9,920 in 2002 to over 60,960 last year. Paul Cowling, head of business development at npower renewables, said: "It has been a very exciting day for all who attended, the mountain bike display really was spectacular. It is always great to see any investment we have made as a company put to good use, and the Energy Trail is a perfect example of how, at npower renewables, we are committed to making a real, tangible difference to the local communities in which we operate. "The Afan trails are important not only to those who enjoy mountain biking, but also to the local economy. Tourism contributes over £68 million to Neath Port Talbot each year, and we hope our investment in the new trail will further encourage economic growth in this part of Wales." The central hub of the trails, the Dropoff Café at the state-of-the-art Glyncorrwyg Mountain Bike Centre, played host to VIP guest the Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Neath Peter Hain. Guests were given a brief introduction to the economic benefits of the trail, before taking a trip up to the trail itself to observe a number of world-class mountain bikers take on one of the more difficult sections of the trail in a spectacular display. The Afan trails have been transformed into single-track heaven, and the work of the Forestry Commission and its partners, has ensured that the Afan trails continue to grow and evolve to suit the needs of mountain bikers, whilst simultaneously creating jobs through tourism in the area. Peter Cloke, of the Forestry Commission, said: "The Energy Trail is an impressive route that takes riders to parts of the Afan Valley that are virtually untouched - you can't reach these locations any other way but on a bike. It is a fantastic way to really experience the area and is a huge boost to Afan's already extensive mountain bike offering. "The impact of investment into the Afan trails has been phenomenal for the area in terms of both reputation and the economy. For Neath Port Talbot to be viewed as one of the most desirable locations in the world for mountain bikers to visit is something we aspired to when we first began work on the trails, but for this to the case just a few years later is a major achievement. None of this would have been possible without investment from sponsors such as npower renewables, and we hope this relationship will continue to produce more trails of the same calibre as Energy." Secretary of State for Wales and Neath MP Peter Hain said: "This new project's success is only possible thanks to the partnership that has evolved between the Forestry Commission and npower renewables. This partnership means that the trails are even more accessible, making it easier for people to get active and enjoy the stunning Welsh countryside. "The commitment shown by all concerned, including npower renewables, the Forestry Commission and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to the economic revival of the Afan Valley is really making a difference to the surrounding community. The Afan trails are a real example of how successful this partnership process can be to help re-ignite the fortunes of struggling areas." www.mbwales.com www.npower-renewables.com