The route for this year’s Velothon Wales has been revealed, three months before the controversial cycle race returns to Caerphilly County Borough.
The event, which will take place on Sunday May 22, was the subject of contention last year, with numerous road closures angering residents and a small amount of tacks being thrown onto the cycle route at New Road in Caerphilly.
However, Run 4 Wales have taken over from last year’s organisers Lagardère, and boast the Cardiff Half Marathon amongst their repertoire of events.
Matt Newman, chief executive of Run 4 Wales said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the route for Velothon Wales 2016.
“The local event delivery team are currently in the process of sending out more than 100,000 letters to residents and businesses along the route, giving them detailed information about the event.”
“We are committed to improving the level of communication with those affected by road closures and welcome feedback from residents and businesses.”
Cyclists will follow the same 140km route as last year, but the shorter 50km route has been scrapped to minimise disruption.
That means the route will enter the borough at Hafodyrynys, and follow the A472 before proceeding up the Newbridge bypass, through Maesycwmmer, and along the A469 Llanbradach bypass to the Cedar Tree roundabout.
The riders will then head along the A468 to Bedwas Bridge roundabout, into Caerphilly Town Centre along Bedwas Road, and then up through the town and over Caerphilly Mountain to Cardiff.
Wayne David, Labour MP for Caerphilly, was vocal in his opposition to last year’s event, and said: “Appalling and unacceptable disruption was caused last year.
“I am in dialogue with the local authority to make sure the lessons of last time are learnt. Communication should be had months in advance, so we can avoid situations like last year.
“I’m encouraged by the fact that there are new organisers who have a good track record of running successful events.”
The council anticipate road closures could remain in place for as long as nine hours on the day of the event, but are encouraging local residents to submit their views about the proposed traffic plans in a consultation.
Mr David added: “It is vital that the council have this consultation, and I will be pressing for them to address the length of the road closures.”
Observations should be submitted by Friday March 4, either in writing to Communications Unit, Penallta House, Tredeomen Business Park, Hengoed, CF82 7PG or by email: communicationsunit@caerphilly.gov.uk
I am really looking forward to this enjoyable day in the borough.
sod the inconveniences and the killjoy traders.
Aren’t you the lucky one not working on a Sunday. Try not to be so selfish and understand what others have to go through.
Typical Labour
How is waiting and then eventually watching blokes playing on their bikes enjoyable? We are told that it brings money into the Borough but how? Do these people stop between Hafodrynys and Caerphilly Mountain? My guess is that businesses in the south of the Borough lose out as the people trapped in the North can’t get there. I would love to know how many of these riders are residents of Caerphilly. We all put up with minor inconveniences for events like the Big Cheese, Bedwellty Show, etc but this seems to be a major inconvenience for minor benefits.
Bad argument. The same can be said about football, rugby, golf, cricket, and all other sports. Some people enjoy watching bikes go past, and some enjoy watching it on TV to point out places they have been to in the background of the camera shot.
Excellent point in that some people may want to watch it on to so they can see places they have been to in the background. ‘Look, Brenda – we stopped in that lay by for a cup of tea’. I feel heartless about wanting to deprive people of such lasting pleasure but, when there are other major sporting events, it doesn’t stop me from driving from Blackwood to Risca from 8.45 am to 6.15 pm. Why don’t they open up the roads after the bikes have gone past? How much does policing the event cost? What about council costs for event management? Nothing wrong with a bike race in itself but the closure programme is overkill.
Aren’t you the lucky one not working on a Sunday. Try not to be so selfish and understand what others have to go through…..
All you cyclists are welcome in Caerphilly. Come here and enjoy your sport and don’t listen to the killjoys. They are exactly the same sort of people who whinge that the council “never do anything ” in other less attractive areas of this country. Which, by the way, is everywhere as Caerphilly is the most beautiful town on this island and beyond. Tommy Cooper is from Caerphilly don’t you know? We’ve got a castle with a leaning tower that leans further than that silly obelisk in Pizza aaaaaaand our own cheese and everything. And anyway, I’ll be in Benidorm that week.
Aren’t you the lucky one not working on a Sunday. Try not to be so selfish and understand what others have to go through.
Who says I don’t work on Sunday’s? Try to be a little empathetic and understand that the entire community should not be at the mercy of the minority of its constituents. I have a second job and will make plans to accommodate the event by parking on a road that is open. I’ll do this so other people can enjoy themselves which is hardly a massive sacrifice now is it?
I would ask you do the same.