Harder than ever. IMO. The official climbing figures may say it's not much different to last year, but if the last 200km had been a BRM I would have only just finished in time.
10:42 moving and 13:09 elapsed, OK that time pressure might have been self inflicted by the leisurely Brunch at Jack's cafe in Newtown, but the 60km to that point had been benign as had the first day, even arriving at Knighton (95km in 5:29) things felt fine, after that I had to walk at least one minor hill before even reaching gospel pass.
Was it harder because I was in poor form? I don't think so as my time from Tintern to Chepstow was quicker than ever, as was my time from Chepstow to Menai. Also other riders reaching gospel pass at the same time did not pass me despite me walking a third of the climb.
A the finish it felt like it had been competing against Brimstone as hardest 600, but I think that's just because the second day was fresh in the memory and the first day was not. I hope the chap moaning about too many main roads on the way up was happier with the return leg.
Day 1 elapsed time 18:48, moving time 16:23, so as much time spent not moving in 390km as in 215km. Maybe if it hadn't been so sunny and pleasant....
Day 1 stops, Honey cafe, Llanidloes Spar, Mountain checkpoint, Kings, Beddgelert Ice cream, check point, Menai, shell garage
day 2 stops jacks cafe, knighton, hay on wye spar, Treats, Monmouth Co-op
