THE Tour de Gwent 2017 aims to attract more riders than ever by offering no less than five different routes.

The 77-mile Tour de Gwent Sportif has grown in stature over the years and is organised in support of St David’s Hospice Care raising many thousands of pounds for the charity.

The event, which is sponsored by Newport-based Whitehead Building Services, will be staged on Sunday, April 9 and is split into five routes this time

The routes this year are the 77-mile Platinum, the 58-mile Gold, the 52-mile silver, the 37-mile bronze and the 20-mile Midi.

Each of the circular routes, which winds around roads and lanes in Newport, Torfaen and mostly in Monmouthshire, starts and finishes at Caerleon Cricket Pavilion.

Keen cyclist Rhys Morton, managing director of Whitehead, said: “The exciting and challenging event is staged in one of the most beautiful and scenic parts of Wales. We have changed the format slightly for 2017 to offer a selection of five different routes with the aim of attracting even more riders to take part in the Tour de Gwent Sportif.

“The routes take in some truly spectacular and iconic sights in and around the Wye and Usk Valleys along the way, such as Tintern Abbey, ensuring that this event is as memorable and enjoyable for cyclists as well as supporters as possible.

“Whitehead has had a long association with St David’s Hospice Care which we are delighted to continue. A number of our 150 staff will be involved in the Tour de Gwent on the day from riding the route to helping out as marshals.”

Organiser Franca Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer Tour de Gwent riders an even greater selection of routes for 2017. There is no absolutely no excuse for anyone with a bike not to consider taking part!

“We’re also very pleased to once more to have been able to attract such wonderful support from Whitehead Building Services for the event.”

The challenge is to complete your chosen course within three to 10 hours and arrive back at the finish village at Caerleon Cricket Pavilion in time to enjoy the BBQ, refreshments, live music, entertainment and stalls.

The minimum age for entrants is 16-years, although it is 14 for the midi event. Registration is now open. The entry fee is £50 which includes an exclusive event cycling ‘sport cut’ jersey, route maps, water and feeding stations and a finish BBQ.

To register and get more details of the route visit www.tourdegwent.org or call 01633 851051.