Velothon road closure details released

Velothon Wales have sent out letters to residents throughout the affected areas detailing what times the specific routes will close on May 22.

Roads across South East Wales will be closed from 6am onwards to accommodate the estimated 18,000 cyclists taking part in the race.

Competitors will be a mixture of recreational cyclists and charity fundraisers, along with some of the world's best cyclists as part of the UCI sanctioned professional road race.

According to Velothon Wales, fundraising for charities is set to equal last year's total of over £1 million.

The race will take place on a completely closed 140km route, which will start and finish in Cardiff.

From the capital, the route will cut through Newport, and parts of Monmouthshire before heading through Usk and up the Tumble.

The route will then circle around Blaenavon, Abergavenny and Pontypool twice before heading through Newbridge, Ystrad Mynach and Caerphilly.

It will then head back to Cardiff.

There is set to be major disruption in Newport, with a large stretch of road between Usk Way and Queens to close from 6.15am to 2.30pm.

Elsewhere, the A4043 from Pontypool to Blaenavon will be closed from 8am to 5.45pm ,while parts of the A472 will be shut between 8.30am and 5.45pm.

Local businesses have previously voiced concerns over the event, claiming that they will lose thousands of pounds in trade.

Last month, Velothon organiser Nigel Russell was met with heavy opposition from people at Llanfoist Village Hill, near Abergavenny.

Residents were unhappy with the organisation using last year's route, which many said left them feeling like "prisoners" in their own homes.

Velothon Wales said: "We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that we will try to keep any

disruption to a minimum.

"We wish to thank you for your understanding and we are grateful of your support and cooperation."

For maps and dull details of the routes and roads affected see southwalesargus.co.uk