100 days until Velothon Wales put Newport on the map
Posted on Friday 6th March 2015
Newport and its surrounding towns and villages will take to the world stage this year as 15,000 cyclists gear up to cycle past some of Newport's most iconic landmarks as part of the inaugural Velothon Wales.
With just 100 days to go, organisers have today (Friday 6 March) confirmed the exact details of the two completely closed road routes that will take riders on an unforgettable journey through South Wales on Sunday 14 June.
The televised event is set to become one of the biggest dates in the Welsh sporting calendar, with a 140km route and a shorter 50km route giving riders a chance to experience a truly safe cycling experience on traffic free roads.
There will also be a UCI sanctioned professional race taking place after the amateur event, which will see many of the world's best riders taking on the very same route. The added loops of The Tumble and Caerphilly Mountain will take their full distance up to 194km.
Starting in Cardiff city centre, the confirmed route will take riders out of the capital via the Docks and along a 7.5km stretch along the coast road through the Gwent Levels.
Passing through the villages of Peterstone and St Brides, cyclists will reach Newport taking in stunning views over the River Severn and will witness city centre highlights such as the Transporter Bridge and Newport City Footbridge.
Leaving the city centre via Langstone towards Caerleon, cyclists will pass the old steelworks and climb 1.6km to enjoy spectacular views of the Celtic Manor and surrounding area.
The route continues as a descent down Belmont Hill and then through the picturesque villages of Caerleon and Usk, then up to Abergavenny through Little Mill before heading up to Llanfoist for the The Tumble climb, a famously challenging 6km stretch of road with an average gradient of 9%.
After tackling The Tumble, riders will then begin their journey back towards Cardiff, through the Unesco World Heritage Site at Blaenavon then to Pontypool, Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed and Caerphilly, finishing in front of thousands of spectators in Cardiff city centre.
Velothon Wales' event director Andrew Taylor said: "We are well and truly on the countdown to what promises to be biggest and most exciting cycling event that Wales has ever seen.
"Demand for the race has been phenomenal, highlighted by the fact we sold well over 12,000 general entries in under six weeks. With thousands of cyclists travelling from outside of Wales, many of whom have come from countries in mainland Europe and even further afield, it is becoming clear that Wales is a true bucket list destination for cyclists the world over."
Velothon Wales has today released an interactive route map for those taking part in the event which includes in-depth video footage of the full 140km and 50km route, and a guide to the route highlights including historical points of interest and images of the main landmarks along the way.
The Velothon Wales website will also feature more detail on the exact road closures and traffic diversions that will be in place on the day.
Andrew continued: "We're pleased to be announcing the exact details of the route, so that local residents can plan their day in accordance with the road closures months in advance of the event. We very much hope residents from the towns and villages along the route get behind Velothon Wales and cheer on the riders as they pass through. Many of them will have never visited Wales before, or undertaken a challenge quite like this; it promises to be a really exciting day for everyone involved.
Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Bob Bright, said: "We are looking forward to Newport hosting part of the Velothon Wales later this year. It is set to be a great event.
"Our city has a close affinity with cycling being home to the Wales National Velodrome and hosting successful training camps for GB Olympic and Paralympic athletes. I am sure that residents will give the cyclists a special Newport welcome during the event"
Welsh Government Minister Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said: "Velothon is a fantastic opportunity for Wales which will give us yet another platform to show some of our iconic landmarks and scenery against the backdrop of a major sporting event.
"Velothon will further add to Wales' credentials as the host of major cycling events which could also further enhance the rapid growth in cycling as a sport and as a form of active travel in Wales. I'm looking forward immensely to taking part in the event in June and the hundred days to go is good incentive to get more training done."
Welsh Cycling's chief executive officer, Anne Adams-King said: "With 100 days to go until Velothon Wales, we are excited to welcome thousands of cyclists to Wales.
"The route passes by some of Wales' most famous landmarks, and also provides a unique challenge for participants, with the famous climbs of The Tumble and Caerphilly mountain. We hope the people of Wales will be inspired to get on their bikes and also support those taking on the challenge of Velothon Wales."
British Cycling's director of cycle sport and membership, Jonny Clay, said: "The appetite for cycling in Wales has never been higher and Velothon Wales looks set to be a spectacular event with 15,000 riders taking on the challenge in June.
"With a UCI sanctioned professional race taking place on the same route as well as televised coverage, the event is bound to entertain thousands of cycling fans this summer - be they participating or spectating."
There are still a number of charity places available for those who want to sign up and take part. See the full list of partner charities.
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