The Velothon Wales cycling event comes to Monmouthshire

The Velothon Wales cycling event on Sunday 9th July promises to be an excellent opportunity for Monmouthshire’s residents to witness the impressive sight of 10,000 cyclists crossing the county. With a number of local catering businesses opening early it’ll also be a great chance for people to make the most of the morning while enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. For example, in Usk the Nags Head pub in Twyn Square will be serving coffee and cake, the Three Salmons Hotel will be open for its renowned breakfast and the Castle Inn, Green Flute Café and Blossoms coffee shop will all be open from 10am – a great start to the day while passing cyclists eat up the miles! For a lovely lunch the New Court Inn and Hall Inn will also be open.

Residents wishing to watch the event should note the key times that cyclists will start arriving in Monmouthshire:

o Magor: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 7:58am

o Usk: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 8:40am

o Nant-y-Derry: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 8:55am

o Llanfoist: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 9:07am

o Tumble summit: First 140km amateur cyclists 9:17am

o Little Mill: First 110km amateur cyclists expected 10:14am

Cllr Bob Greenland, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “This is the third year that we have welcomed cyclists to beautiful Monmouthshire. It has been great to see so many visitors exploring our county during their training for the occasion and I would urge residents to make the most of this wonderful chance to watch this spectacular event taking place right on our doorstep. It has also been great to see the creativity and spirit of our residents in Usk – the streets, shops, cafes, pubs and businesses here look beautiful adorned with crocheted, painted and themed bikes which complement Usk’s flower displays.”

The county council’s waste and recycling team has donated unwanted bikes to the local community to be decorated and displayed around the town in celebration of the Velothon’s arrival. Many have found new homes on railings, outside shops, houses, civic buildings and pubs, in parks and at the entrances to the town.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “I’m delighted that the people of Monmouthshire are embracing and celebrating the arrival of the Velothon in such varied and creative ways. This welcome will no doubt leave an impression on the cyclists and spur them on and will create a great atmosphere for local people during the event. Spectators in Wales usually give visitors and home-grown competitors alike a real warm Welsh welcome and can add to a fantastic atmosphere, and we’re looking forward to a legendary Velothon Wales this year.”

Cllr Isobel Brown, Usk Town Council added: “Usk Town Council is thrilled with the way Usk Primary School, residents and businesses have got behind this initiative to welcome the 2017 Velothon riders and our message to ‘Cycle Usk!’. We want them to know that Usk is a fantastic year round cycling destination with a range of great cycling routes suitable for all levels and abilities that can be easily accessed from the town. We also have a wonderful range of hotels, pubs and coffee shops for cyclists wanting to stay the night or drop into en route. We are all excited and will be out on the streets to cheer the Velothon through on 9th July.”

For resident information and full details of road closures contact:

· http://www.velothon.com/events/velothon-wales/residents-and-spectators/road-closures-and-queries.aspx

· velothonwales@ironmanroadaccess.com

· 02921 660 790

· The 2017 Velothon Wales spectator guide http://www.velothon.com/events/velothon-wales/residents-and-spectators/spectator-information.aspx#axzz4llLrXPoI