It was a wet and windy start to the Long Course Weekend this evening at Tenby’s North Beach - with Wales' biggest open water swimming event set in a truly iconic location kicking off the triathlon set across three days.

Athletes from across the UK and from overseas took part in the Wales Swim, in front of hundreds of spectators who created an electric atmosphere to kick off the triathlon event.

Massive crowds gathered to watch competitors hit the water to a fireworks display, around the picturesque harbour.

With two distances to choose from -the Wales Swim provides the perfect start to Long Course Weekend.

Some took on the 1.2 mile swim; and others the 2.4 mile option, starting to the North side of Goscar Rock.

The cut off point for the first lap is 7pm; and 8pm for the overall cut off.

The Long Course Weekend continues on Saturday, with some road disruption anticipated - Pembrokeshire County Council has stated.

On Saturday, competitors will take on the Wales Sportive cycle ride, with full rolling road closures; before Sunday’s marathon closes the event.

As in previous years, the Local Authority has stated it will be necessary to introduce a number of traffic restrictions on the Saturday and Sunday to enable both the sportive and marathon to take place in a safe environment.

LCW map
(Pic supplied)

The Croft and a section of the Norton (White Lion Street to The Croft) will also be temporarily closed on the Friday evening between 4.30 and 6.30 pm, in the interest of public safety due to possible thronging of spectators watching the swim event. Access to properties on The Croft will be managed.

Following the success of last year, the start and finish on both Saturday and Sunday is from the Salterns car park in Tenby (rather than the centre of the seaside town in Tudor Square) which has removed road closure restriction from the town centre.

A number of roads around the wider Tenby area will be closed or closed one way during the Wales Sportive on Saturday, June 22.

The A40 and A477 are not closed for the event. The A478 Narberth to Kilgetty is also fully open.

There are also road closures planned around Tenby to Pembroke during the Wales Marathon on Sunday, June 23.

These road closures are on a rolling programme between 9.30am and 4pm.

Spectators are reminded that dog restrictions at North Beach remain in place.

Further information for careers needing access to their clients in the areas affected is also available online, with vehicle passes distributed by care organisation managers.

Changes to local bus services will be in place due to the Long Course Weekend road restrictions.

Long course map
(Pic supplied)

The South Pembs Fflecsi will run a limited services to some locations and delays are likely.

Saturday, June 22:

• 351 (Tenby-Kilgetty-Amroth-Pendine) – NO SERVICE

• 381 (Haverfordwest-Narberth-Kilgetty-Saundersfoot-Tenby) – NO SERVICE

• Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – NO SERVICE

• 349 (Haverfordwest-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Tenby) – Unable to serve Pembroke Dock to Tenby until after 1pm.

• 356 (Milford Haven-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Monkton) – Unable to serve Pembroke and Monkton until after 1pm

• 387/8 (Coastal Cruiser) – Unable to operate until 11am.

Sunday, June 23:

• 387/8 (Coastal Cruiser) – NO SERVICE

Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Will be re-routed along the A4218 (Broadwell Hayes) instead of Marsh Road and Heywood Lane.

Full and updated details are available on the Long Course Weekend website.

Visit: https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures/

Info for carers: https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures/carers-information/