Usk transformed as VELOTHON Wales edges closer

VELOTHON Wales riders will be welcomed into Monmouthshire by a sea of colour thanks to the creativity of the Usk community.

More than 15,000 cyclists will race through the picturesque town on July 9th as VELOTHON Wales returns to the county. Riders taking on the challenging 140km and 110km routes will be given an eye-catching entrance to Usk after the local community pulled together with the help of Monmouthshire County Council's recycling and waste teams to bring old, disused bikes to life.

The community came together at Usk CiW Primary School for the 'Great Usk Bike Off' party to promote the initiative and decorate more cycles to be put on display around the town in the lead-up to the event this summer.

Nigel Russell, Event Director, VELOTHON Wales commented: "The fantastic support we have received from the people of Monmouthshire in the build-up to VELOTHON Wales 2017 is sure to help make it the biggest and best yet.

"The efforts made by all those who participated in the 'Great Usk Bike Off' will add an extra splash of colour to the carnival atmosphere, as Wales proves it is the place to be for sporting events once again."

If you are a keen cyclist, the 140km course is ideal for your next challenge. Amateur cyclists and pro riders alike will start in the heart of Cardiff city centre before heading east through Newport and Usk, before entering the Brecon Beacons National Park, home of the legendary Tumble climb.

If climbing the Tumble is not for you, a 110km course cuts out the fearsome climbs to half the elevation - just 940 metres. Capacity is limited for the 110km option and entries are almost sold out, so move fast to secure your place.

Cllr Bob Greenland said: "Monmouthshire sends a warm welcome to people training for and taking part in the Velothon in our beautiful county - the perfect setting for cyclists to prepare for this summer's event. It's been wonderful to see the creativity of our residents in Usk – the streets, shops, cafes, pubs and businesses here are going to look beautiful decorated in these crocheted, painted and themed bikes which will complement Usk's flower displays. Any communities who would like to decorate their towns, villages or streets are urged to contact us and we will be happy to provide bikes donated or rescued at our recycling centres to replicate Usk's approach.

Cllr Isobel Brown, Usk Town Council commented: "I'm delighted with the way Usk Primary School, the Usk community and Usk businesses have embraced this initiative to welcome cyclists to our beautiful town. Usk is a fantastic cycling destination set in beautiful countryside with a range of great cycling routes suitable for all levels and abilities that can be easily accessed from the town. We also have a wonderful range of hotels, pubs and coffee shops for cyclists wanting to stay the night or drop into en route. Now with all these amazing  bikes going out around the town it feels like cycle fever could be about to hit Usk in a big way this summer!"

Miss Natalie Eaton, Usk CiW Primary School Teacher added: "We are thrilled to be involved, the pupils are all very excited about the Velothon passing through Usk and can't wait to go outside and cheer the cyclists on.  I'm very proud of the pupils' enthusiasm to make their town the best that it can be and Eco club, craft club and the wider school community have all come together to make our Bike-Off a great success!"