Entries for the third annual Velothon Wales bike race have opened, with a new, shorter course introduced for the 2017 event.
Wales’ biggest cycling event will return to South Wales next summer, with around 16,000 riders expected to sign up to take part in the 140km sportive on Sunday, July 9 2017.
Starting and finishing in Cardiff, the route takes in stunning scenery and passes through Caerphilly County Borough in the final third.
Entering the borough at Hafodyrynys, the route follows 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.
While a 50km route was scrapped for the event earlier this year, next year’s race will include a shorter 110km route which excludes the challenging Tumble climb near Abergavenny.
Riders can enter online at www.velothon-wales.co.uk.