VELOTHON WALES 22 May

Wales’s biggest sportive returns to Cardiff for further fun and frolics

SECOND COMING

For the second edition of Velothon Wales it’s very much a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. The route is largely the same as last time out, with a bit of minor tinkering required for logistical reasons.

FAST AND THE FURIOUS

A ‘tack attack’ from disgruntled locals aside, 2015 was a big success. Over 10,000 riders were unleashed on a fast, fully closed course. It lacks the beauty of the RideLondon route, but riding the wrong way up deserted dual carriageways has its charms.

MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

Like last year, you’ll leave central Cardiff towards Newport. The biggest change comes with the route from Usk to Abergavenny, though the destination is the same - you’ve still got to climb the Tumble.

AT THE DOUBLE

The 2.8-mile Tumble is one of the most famous stretches of tarmac for roadies in the UK. It opens with a couple of tough, tree-lined switchbacks before opening up. The double-digit gradients for most of the climb ease towards the summit.

TWISTS AND TURNS

There’s a feed station at the summit, so use it to compose yourself, because the descent into Blaenavon is very fast. There are also several tough 90-degree bends in the town, so be careful with your speed.

STEADY AS YOU GO

Given the relentless nature of the course (there’s no need to stop at junctions or traffic lights) the final climb of Caerphilly Mountain can be a killer. It’s not as long as the Tumble but is far steeper, and as it’s close to the finish, fatigue will be palpable.