Trek UK is to provide retail and hire fleet services at the soon-to-open BikePark Wales.
The Gethin Woodland Park-located trail centre will feature a full range of Trek hire bikes, and an additional fleet of flagship-level bikes, including the all-new Fuel EX 29, and Remedy 29 platforms. The on-site shop will carry Bontrager parts and accessories, in addition to select brands.
It's not just about the retailing for Trek, however, which said it is aiming to encourage more people to take up cycling in the UK as a longer-term objective.
Director of Trek UK Nigel Roberts explained: "BikePark Wales is more to us than just another place to ride bikes. The directors of the park share our commitment to encouraging more people to take up riding. It plays a vital role in the growth of mountain biking in the UK.
"Our partnership with BPW allows us to take advantage of it's key location, the quality of the trail network, and the outstanding facilities that will make a trip there an enjoyable experience that visitors will want to repeat."
BikePark Wales will feature trails for all abilities, and all types of mountain biking. Six trails will traverse 1750 vertical metres of descent, with additional trail options contained throughout the trail network. Trails will be added over the coming years, thanks to a full-time trail crew. Uplift services will run alongside a singletrack trail to the top of the mountain. The site will also consist of a pump track, and a 1km trail for families and children and will be classed as a coaching centre of excellence.
BikePark Wales director Liz Scaife praised the bike brand: "We are all so happy to have Trek as the official bike partner for BikePark Wales. When we first began this journey over four years ago, we had a feeling Trek would be the brand we would partner with. We admire the advocacy work that Trek do, and it's exciting to be involved with a brand that wants to give back to the sport. And it's great to know that we'll have a fleet of bikes that our customers will be able to enjoy across the variety of terrain available."
The 400-square metre visitor centre will be home to the Woodland Cafe, as well as the hub for the hire fleet, and retail concession. Trek and Bontrager products will be available to purchase from the retail store.
BikePark Wales is part of the Cognation project that is investing in mountain biking throughout South Wales. The Cognation partnership is made up of Neath Port Talbot CBC, Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Caerphilly CBC, Visit Wales and Natural Resources Wales. The project is part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government with match funding coming from the Welsh Assembly Government, partner authorities, Bike Park Wales and its sponsors.