Van Rd Trails Group (VRTG) have revealed details of a 10 year partnership with Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) to manage the MTB Dirt Jumps and Trails located on Van Rd in Caerphilly.

It’s taken two years to get this agreement rubber stamped, and is a huge and positive step forward for the local riders who have campaigned tirelessly for this approval of trail building.

Work will commence shortly at the site in preparation for construction of new Dirt Jumps and Trails. Final construction for the Jumps and Trails will take place in the Spring with the site being re-opened to the public in the early Summer.

The site will be open to all, and will offer a range of Jumps and Trails which will be suitable for beginners up to World Champs.

Local Rider and World Champion Manon Carpenter commented on the news: “I can’t wait for Van Rd Trails to be rebuilt, I’ve definitely missed them since they’ve been gone! I grew up riding the trails and they were one of the first places I really started to develop as a rider, I learnt so much riding them. I don’t think I would be as good a rider today without them or competing internationally at World Cups so I’m really looking forward to having the trails back in Caerphilly!”

The re-development of the site would not have been possible without the help of FCW, Sports Wales, Welsh Cycling and the hard work of the members of VRTG.

Steve Aicheler, owner of the local bike shop, Castle Bikes and Treasurer of VRTG stated: “It’s been a longer process than we hoped, but we’re all really excited about getting Van Rd open again. There is so much enthusiasm amongst local riders and it will be great to see them having a proper, safe site where they can enjoy their sport, hopefully it means Caerphilly can produce more World Champions!

VRTG and FCW would like to remind users to keep away from the site during the felling and construction period. The clearance or the site and construction will necessitate the use of large machinery and it is unsafe for members of the public to be in the area during this period.

Details of Dig Days and more information can be found on our Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/vanrdtrails