Saddle up for the big bike ride
Wales’ biggest cycling sportive returns to Cardiff for the annual Velothon Wales on Sunday, with up to 16,000 cyclists taking part. Starting and finishing in the heart of Cardiff, the event offers a 140km and a new 110km course on fully closed roads and a
What is the Velothon?
Now in its third year, the Velothon Wales is a closed-road cycling event, offering riders of all ages and abilities the chance to cycle through the heart of Cardiff on either the 110km or 140km course.
Up to 16,000 cyclists are expected to be taking part in the event which is owned by Ironman and organised in conjunction with partner Run4Wales.
When is the 2017 Velothon Wales?
This year’s event takes place on Sunday, July 9 with the first race kicking off at 7am from King Edward VII Avenue.
Is there still time to enter?
Online registration has now closed. But people can register in person at City Hall, Cardiff on Friday, July 7 (noon until 7pm) and Saturday, July 8 (7am until 7pm).
Where does the event take place?
Registration for the Velothon takes place on City Hall Lawn, Cardiff, today and tomorrow, and that’s where entrants can drop off bags on Sunday morning.
The 140km run begins with a waved start at 7am, followed by the 110km cyclists getting going at 8:15am.
Both rides start on King Edward VII Avenue, with the 140km participants leaving Cardiff to the East, heading through Newport and Usk, before entering the Breacon Beacons National Park where they will pace the infamous ‘Tumble’ climb: a 10% incline and 399m elevation over 5.1km.
The route then heads south via Pon- typool and Newbridge on its way to Caerphilly for one final 10% climb up Caerphilly mountain over 1.2km, before finishing with a fast descent towards the finish line in the heart of Cardiff.
Over the 140km course, the riders will have climbed 1,822 metres.
Those tackling the 110km course take a similar route but avoid the Tumble, turning south towards Caerphilly straight out of Usk. These riders face a total climb of 940 metres.
Both races will see prizes awarded to the first three home, whilst those tackling the Tumble will have the chance to be titled King or Queen of the Mountain.
How will traffic be affected?
Road closures and parking restrictions are being implemented for the event all the way along the route.
There will be extensive road closures to facilitate this event in Cardiff.
The event organiser has been liaising with residents and businesses that will be affected.
Live updates will be given via @cardiffcouncil on the day of the event.
For more details and localised maps of the road closures, visit the Velothon website on www.velothon.com.
Where’s the best place to watch?
Spectators are anticipated in their thousands for the Velothon and a number of towns and villages along the route will be hosting special events to celebrate.
Thousands can line the route to catch a glimpse of their family and friends taking part and there will be a festival like atmosphere along the route so that everyone can enjoy the day.
The finishing spot along King Edward VII avenue is always a popular spot but it will be busy.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the times cyclists could be arriving so you can plan where you want to cheer them on, from spots in Cardiff including Rover Way and Lisvane as well as good spots in Newport, Langstone and Caerleon.