Around 500 riders will compete in the annual Welsh 2 Day Enduro this Summer, with Wales Air Ambulance among the beneficiaries. 

The international event, which attracts competitors from all over the world, was established in Llandrindod Wells back in 1951. It has supported the lifesaving charity for more than a decade and donated an incredible £10,600 to date. 

Committee member and former rider, Richard Chandler said: “Our Enduro is hugely popular and among the most prestigious events to compete in. 

“We have riders travelling from Australia for it and there’s regular competitors from Iceland and mainland Europe, Germany, too. 

“When the entries open this spring, they fill very quickly in about an hour or so. We must do it in stages, otherwise we would have a computer meltdown. 

“It’s not quite as bad as Oasis tickets, but not far off,” he added.

Riders typically cover around 140 miles each day, tackling challenging terrain that is predominantly off-road.

The event holds a special place in Richard’s heart. He said: “I first started coming to the enduro when my dad was riding and my dad Eddie, won the Sidecar class in 1969. 
 


“He absolutely loved it. It was his dream event, and he would deliberately not ride other events so that he didn’t run the risk of hurting himself so he would miss the Welsh two day that’s how much it went meant to him. 

“I also used to ride when I was younger, I met my wife Anthea through the event and we’re now members of the committee and love to put back into it.” 

The Welsh 2 Day Enduro Committee likes to raise funds for local causes. 

Richard said: “During the two days we have a lot of people from the Women’s Institutes and local churches, which come and help run burger vans and that sort of thing. We like to give back to them too, as a way of saying thank you. 

“But the main cause we support each year, is the Wales Air Ambulance, because of the nature of our sport. 

“What we do is predominantly off-road, so if something happens, because unfortunately accidents do happen, we want to make sure that a helicopter is available to bring treatment to whoever needs it, wherever they have their accident. 

“That’s why it is so important to keep supporting it. I hope we will never need to use it, but if we did, it’s reassuring to know that kind of critical care is available.” 

He continued: “I know people who have needed the air ambulance. A friend of mine needed it around ten years ago, within thirty minutes he’d got the help he needed and was being taken to hospital. 

“The service leaves patients in a much better position than they may have been.” 
 

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.  

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.  

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles. 

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.  

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

Richard said: “Every rider knows what great work the air ambulance does, so they are very supportive of our decision to fundraise for the lifesaving service.” 

The Welsh 2 Day Enduro will take place in Llandrindod Wells on Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20.

Richard said: “Everyone is welcome! This is such a fantastic part of the world, and our event really provides a boost to the local economy. 

“The riders love taking part not only because of the amazing welcome they receive, but because of the beautiful scenery. 

“There are a dozen things that make this such an attractive ride to do, it is the right time of the year, you do not have to slog around in the mud. The terrain is diverse, with lots of nice forestry. 

“The local farmers are hugely generous, we are indebted to them really, as they allow us to ride their land, some of the stages date back to the first event. So, there’s huge history there too.” 

He added: “It’s an enjoyable day out for spectators, it’s totally free. There’s no charges at all.  

“There are special test areas, so people will head there to watch. Usually around a 1,000 will turn up at each test, locals as well, so it’s hugely supported over the two days.” 

Kate Lewis, Regional Fundraising Manager said: “The Welsh 2 Day Enduro is a fantastic international event which attracts riders from across the world. 

“We are deeply grateful that the organisers and competitors are once again fundraising for our lifesaving service. 

“Over the past ten years the event has raised over ten and a half thousand pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance which will have helped save many lives.”

“Long-term support like this is key to enable our team to continue to help serving the people of Wales, whenever and wherever they might need use,” she added.

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity was formed on St David’s Day in 2001 and has grown from one aircraft to the largest air ambulance in the UK.

Its very first helicopter was a striking yellow, as it was initially sponsored by the AA. The charity’s very first mission was at Glynneath Rugby Club.

In 2024, the charity celebrated a major milestone, reaching an impressive total of 50,000 missions since its inception.