The 140km Velothon Wales cycle race returns to the capital after a successful turn-out at the inaugural event last year.
Under new management Run 4 Wales, who also host the Cardiff Half Marathon, the organisers anticipate up to 18,000 riders in this year’s event.
This year, the shorter 50km race has been dropped due to a lack of demand and to minimise disruption, after previous organisers Lagardère experienced teething problems with local residents unhappy at the lengthy road closures on the race route.
Riders will experience stunning scenery to help distract them from burning muscles and tire punctures, as the route twists and turns through some of the most beautiful and grueling roads around South Wales, including 1,826 metres of ascent.
Starting out in Cardiff city centre, competitors pedal through Newport, Caerleon, Usk, Abergavenny, Pontypool, and Ystrad Mynach, taking in the seemingly-never-ending Tumble, the domineering Caerphilly Mountain, and Unesco World Heritage Site at Blaenavon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzFv3c0uJq0
A slight change from last year comes on the Usk Road between Caerleon and Usk, where the route travels through Tredunnock and past the Newbridge on Usk.
In 2015, the 15,000 people who took part helped the event to become the biggest cycling event in Wales, and organisers anticipate that success to translate into a bigger attendance this year, both in terms of participants and spectators.
Onlookers flanked the roads to offer their support last year, giving the event a typical Welsh welcome. Weary legs and wobbling handlebars were cheered on to the next fuelling station with great enthusiasm, with banners and flags.
Over £300,000 was raised for charity as a result of the high attendances in 2015.
The start/finish line and pre-race village are set up at the Cardiff City Hall civic centre. Those interested in competing in the Velothon Wales 2016 can still register online.
BEN BARKER
Velothon Wales, Cardiff, Sun 22 May. Entry: £15-£65. Info: www.velothon-wales.co.uk