Wales’s biggest cycling sportive will return to Cardiff for the annual Velothon Wales on Sunday 9th July 2017.
Up to 16,000 cyclists are expected to sign up for this eagerly anticipated event, now in it’s 3rd year, with online entries opening on Thursday 13th October at midday.
Starting and finishing in the heart of Cardiff, this unique event will offer either a 140km or a new 110km course on fully closed roads, attracting riders of all ages and abilities to the area. It’s spectacular setting combined with the ultimate challenge of 2 lung bursting renowned climbs on offer, make it a ‘must-do’ Sportive on the UK calendar.
As a UCI sanctioned event, Velothon Wales will continue to welcome some of the best pro riders in the world. This provides a fantastic opportunity for cyclists to ride on the same course, against a backdrop of some of Wales’s most iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery.
Owners Ironman, in conjunction with local delivery partner Run4Wales, are committed to building on the success of previous years, which will see further improvements to be announced over the coming weeks. As part of this development, not only has the date moved from May to July to better accommodate the athletes and the authorities, but 2017 will also see the addition of a shorter 110km course.
The 110km course will follow the same course as that of the 140km, but by avoiding the testing climb of the Tumble will reduce the elevation by half to 940 metres, encouraging cyclists of all fitness levels to be part of the event.
The 140km route however, remains unchanged for 2017; riders will leave Cardiff to the east, heading through Newport and Usk, before entering the Breacon Beacons National Park, home of the first and legendary ‘Tumble’ climb, a 10% incline and 399m elevation over 5.1 km. It is here that the riders can pit their fitness against the pros for the ‘King and Queen of the mountain’ challenge.
The route then heads south via Pontypool and Newbridge on its way to Caerphilly for one final 10% climb up the stunning Caerphilly mountain over 1.2km, before finishing with a fast descent towards the finish line, in the heart of Cardiff city centre. Over the 140km course, the riders will have achieved 1822 metres of climbing.
The sportive will get underway from 7.00am, with riders being allocated start pens according to their anticipated finish time.
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of Ironman UK, commented: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming cyclists of all levels to the event. Velothon Wales has established itself as one of the key sportives in the UK thanks to its closed roads, challenging route and stunning scenery. Together with the support of The Welsh Government, the local authorities and British and Welsh Cycling we are working hard to deliver another hugely successful event.”
With so much on offer both in Cardiff and the surrounding areas, Velothon Wales is an opportunity for cyclists to come and make the most of a weekend away with friends and family. Last year saw over 50% of entries from across the UK, bringing a huge positive impact on the local economy.
Further details are available at velothon-wales.co.uk and online entries will open at midday 13th October, on a first come first served basis.
