Town hosts electric bikes rally

Mr Mustill says the bikes can travel at speeds up to 15mph

A mid Wales town played host to an unusual sporting event with what organisers said was the UK's first electric bike rally.

Presteigne, in Powys, held a two-day electric bike festival and rally.

Organisers said the power-assisted bicycles, also known as "pedelecs", can travel at speeds of up to 15mph.

There were 40 entrants for the rally which followed a course around the streets of Presteigne on Sunday.

Pete Mustill, the event's organiser, described the rally as a cross between The Tour de France bike race and the Monaco Grand Prix.

The rally will take place around the streets of Presteigne

He said pedelecs were ordinary bicycles with a battery and small motor attached.

Mr Mustill, who lives near Presteigne, owns two electric bikes which he said can cover about 20 miles before they have to be recharged.

Speaking beforehand, he said the festival, dubbed the "Tour de Presteigne", would give spectators their first taste of the electric bikes.

"The bikes are a very eco-friendly alternative to a car, or motorbike, but not a bicycle," added Mr Mustill.

The bike festival was held in conjunction with the town's third ECOpower event at the Rodd, which gives advice on renewable resources and energy efficiency.