THE majority of the 1500 cyclists who participated in today's Tour of Pembrokeshire have now finished.

The first entrants left Oriel-Y-Parc, St Davids, at 7am this morning and many who opted for the 50-mile course had safely completed their challenge by mid morning.

However, those who started later in the day, or who took on the 75 or 100-mile challenges, encountered some brutal weather conditions as driving wind and rain swept through the county.

"That was the toughest cycling event I have ever been in", said Matt Demary, who travelled down from Woking to take part.

"The wind and rain was relentless which meant the hills were really tough, and it was hard to enjoy the descents.

"I'm very pleased to have finished because there were times early on when I thought I might not make it."

However Matt was full of praise for the way the event was handled: "The organisation was fabulous and the scenery along the route was stunning.

"I will definitely come back."

Ricki Morgan, from Tenby, also completed the 100-mile course and said the conditions made for a tough ride.

"That was a beast of a challenge," he said.

"The hill climbs, especially in Cilgwyn, were really difficult especially in the heavy rain.

"But I'm delighted to have taken part and completed the ride."