Thousands of keen cyclists will be donning their lycra and helmets for the Velothon Wales cycle race taking place on Sunday July 9.
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.
The affected roads will be closed between 8.30am and 5pm. Residents who are aware of anything that will impact them on Sunday July 9 – such as formal events, carer responsibilities or holiday travel are asked to get in touch with the organisers as soon as possible, who will provide more information on how best to navigate around the road closures.
Organisers Run4Wales have apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused and have moved to assure residents that disruptions are kept to a minimum.
Entries for the 110km race have sold out, though places are still available for the 140km route which includes the daunting climb up the Tumble onto the summit of the Blorenge, in Abergavenny.
Nigel Russell, Event Director, said: “Velothon Wales is fast becoming a major event on the Welsh sporting calendar, and excitement is building as we close in on this year’s race.
“We are working hard to ensure everything is in place for riders from the United Kingdom and beyond to enjoy the spectacular Welsh scenery on closed roads this summer. We thank local authorities from Cardiff, Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Caerphilly for their crucial support, as we aim to build on the success of the last two years.
“It has been particularly pleasing to see local communities along the route getting behind the event to make it the biggest and best Velothon Wales yet. ”
Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer at Welsh Cycling added: “Welsh Cycling is excited to welcome thousands of cyclists to Wales, and get behind our clubs and members who are taking on the challenge.
“The route passes by some of Wales’ most iconic landmarks, with the famous climbs of The Tumble and Caerphilly mountain. We hope the people of Wales will be inspired to get on their bikes and embrace Velothon Wales this summer.”
The event has not always passed without controversy. In 2015, numerous road closures angered residents, 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.
However, last year, the event ran much smoother, with cyclists contacting Caerphilly Observer to thank locals for their support.
Economy Minister, Ken Skates, said: “Velothon is developing to be an epic event in Wales’ events calendar as more cyclists take up this opportunity of racing a closed road event.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Wales’ unique and beautiful landscape to the world, as well as highlighting our ability to host a variety of major events.
“The spectators in Wales have always given the cyclists a real warm Welsh welcome and have created a fantastic atmosphere, I hope that people come out to support the event again this year. Being a part of an event such as this can really inspire people to want to take up the sport and Wales offers plenty of opportunities for cycling.”
For more information, visit www.velothon.com/wales.
And even more disruption and more money to be spent. Caerphilly residents have another day of road closures ahead. Maybe the council could spread these out a bit better
Aren’t they meant to inform us residents of the Rd closures a long time in advance? This is the 1st I’ve heard of it! Amateurish organisation of the “event” AGAIN!!!