THE Abergavenny festival of cycling kicks off today, with the Abergavenny Handicap Race the first of a series of events throughout the week.

The festival has exploded in recent years, becoming one of the premier events for British cycling fans and this year is expected to be no different, with thousands of people set to descend on the town, particularly given the expected good weather.

The handicap race is an all inclusive start to the festival with riders of all abilities invited to take part in the 45-mile Abergavenny-Raglan-Abergavenny circuit.

It heads a week packed with elite races and charity fun rides. The Festival of Cycling organiser, Bill Owen, said: “It’s a year of working towards this so we’re all excited now.

“Once it’s under way, we can all relax a bit more.

“Obviously the biggest logistical challenge for us is the road race on Sunday – an elite race over 100 miles which will boast a field including the double Olympic champion Ed Clancy – and the Para cycling event is a newone for us which should be very spectacular.”

Entries are still being taken for the charity fun rides, the Iron Mountain Sportif which ranges from a 25 mile leisure route, to the gruelling 100mile epic route.

But if you’d prefer to relax and watch others work up a sweat then Mr Owen says Abergavenny offers a great experience.

“We’ve probably got the most spectator friendly cycling event anywhere. The town centre route means you’ll see the riders often and of course the whole event is free.”

For more information on the festival of cycling or to enter the Iron Mountain Sportif visit www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk

As official media partner the South Wales Argus will bring you all the action from the festival throughout the week both in print and on our website.