RISCA’S Sam Harrison has urged the people of Gwent and Monmouthshire to put aside their grievances and support Sunday’s controversial Velothon Wales cycling event.

Monmouth MP David Davies waded into the row this week with residents and businesses upset by road closures throughout the area.

The Velothon starts and finishes in Cardiff and will see more than 15,000 professional and amateur cyclists take part.

The routes stretch as far as Abrergavenny and encompass parts of Newport, Usk, Blaenavon, Pontypool and Newbridge.

It will close main roads in Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Monmouthshire between 7.30am and 5pm.

NFTO Pro Cycling rider Harrison says he understands why a minority are angered by the disruption but he is hoping that the majority will embrace the sporting spectacle.

And he’s warned potential protestors that they could put people’s lives at risk if they attempt to stop the cyclists in their tracks.

“A few people aren’t happy, which is a shame,” said Harrison, who represented Wales at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

“I understand it is an inconvenience and people have got lives to lead and businesses to run but it is only one day and it’s a shame that people can’t see around that.

“People have to see the bigger picture; it is a massive event for Wales with 15,000 people taking part and lots of people raising money for charity.

“It will bring a lot of people and a lot of money to the area and it will also be a great sporting event.

“I hope that people will embrace it and enjoy the spectacle because it will hopefully inspire the next generation of cyclists and if it’s a success it could become a regular event for the area, which will be great.”

Harrison is concerned that if protests against the event get out of hand it could have serious consequences for the individuals concerned and for the riders.

“I’ve heard that some people are planning to put tacks down on the roads or remove barriers but I hope there are not too many idiots out there,” said the 22-year-old.

“If some bloke gets in his car and moves a barrier so he can drive to Tesco then it could potentially kill someone.

“I just hope people let the event happen and don’t feel the need to ruin it.”

Harrison, who started out riding with Cwmcarn Paragon, is also looking forward to having some home support along the route.

“I live in Risca and Newbridge is only a few miles away so it is nice for me to be competing so close to home,” he said.

“I don’t often get that chance and I train on all the roads in this route so hopefully I can have a good race.”