Thousands of keen cyclists from across the world enjoyed the South Wales sunshine as they took on the gruelling Velothon race.
More than 9,000 cyclists descended clad in lycra, donning their helmets, to tackle the 140km and 110km routes across South Wales on Sunday, July 9.
Starting in Cardiff, and taking in Newport, Usk, Abergavenny and Blaenavon, the riders also intersected Caerphilly and its surrounding areas.
Entering the borough at Hafodyrynys, the route followed the A472 before proceeding up the Newbridge bypass, through Maesycwmmer, and along the A469 Llanbradach bypass to the Cedar Tree roundabout.
The riders then headed 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 the finish line in Cardiff.
No unsavoury incidents were reported during this year’s event, which has not always passed without controversy.
In 2015, failure to communicate the length of numerous road closures angered residents as a small amount of tacks were thrown onto the route at New Road in Caerphilly, and Caerphilly MP Wayne David criticised the event’s organisation.
The event changed hands ahead of the 2016 fixture, with organisers Run4Wales vowing to improve the communication line to residents who would be affected by the road closures.
Last year the event ran much smoother, with cyclists contacting Caerphilly Observer to thank locals for their support.
Residents lined the streets once again this year, providing some much-needed encouragement to those with weary legs and wavering strength on the domineering Caerphilly Mountain slope.
The event’s director, Nigel Russell, said: “The third instalment of Velothon Wales proved to be the best yet along the stunning, sun-bathed course in South Wales.
“Local communities turned out in their droves to cheer on our 9,000 amateur riders and professionals, while our army of volunteers ensured this year’s event went down without a hitch.
“I would like to thank all five local authorities for making the 2017 Velothon Wales the unforgettable event it was.
“We’re already looking forward to next year.”
The professional race, which involved two climbs up the Tumble this year, involved 17 teams from ten different nations and was won by Ian Bibby of Team JLT Condor, after he finished third in last year’s race.
One Pro cycling’s Karol Domgalski finished a close second and Team Great Britain’s Chris Lawless took the bronze medal. The peloton left it too late to chase down the trio of breakaway riders as things hotted up on the second lap of the Tumble.
Elsewhere, the first rider to cross the finish line in the sportive was Anthony Roberts of Guildford in 03:40.43. Morgan Jones was the first Welsh-based rider to cross just a minute later, while Tina Hartwright, from London, raced over the line in 04:04.40 as the first woman to finish.
Bath Cycling Club were the winners of the Yellow Jersey Trophy after recording the fastest accumulative time. The West Country club were also awarded the Polkadot trophy for the fastest team ascent of the Tumble.
But Cardiff Ajax were crowned Overall Club Champions, which is based on the total kilometres ridden at the event. Their 50 riders travelled a distance of 6,580km.
Velothon Wales will return on Sunday July 8, 2018.