THE Tour de Gwent charity bike ride is back with new challenging routes.

Cyclists will set off on their tour on April 17, 2016, from Caerleon Cricket Pavilion between 8am and 11am on one of three routes to take in the sites and scenes of Gwent. This is the second Tour de Gwent to take place and all the money raised will go to St David's Hospice Care.

This year Whitehead Building Services has been named as the main sponsors. The three route options include a 77 mile route, a 37.5 mile route and a 20.5 mile route.

The longest route takes you through New Inn, Usk, up to Llantilio Crosenny across to Rockfield and then down through Tintern, Trellech and on the A449 back to Caerleon.

The shortest route goes from Caerleon to Llanbadoc and back. While the middle route takes you to Llanhennock, New Inn, Glascoed, Usk, Raglan and then back to Caerleon.

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

Kris Broome, director of fundraising and lottery, at St David's Hospice Care, said: "We're hoping for an increase on the 500 cyclist who took part last year over the three routes. We had a fantastic response for the first year of the Tour de Gwent and we raised over £40,000.

"We're hoping this year to hit the £50,000 mark."

The minimum age for entrants is 16-years-old and registration is now open. The entry fee is £50 and includes an

exclusive event cycling ‘sport cut’ jersey, route maps, water and feeding stations and a finish BBQ.

To register visit www.tourdegwent.org or call 01633 851051. There are still spaces for company logos on the official event jersey.