ROAD closures have been announced for Monmouthshire as the county prepares to welcome the Velothon for a third year.

The cycling event, on Sunday, July 9, will see a mix of recreational competitors and charity fundraisers descend on the area along with some of the world’s best cyclists as part of the UCI sanctioned professional road race.

The 140km route sees cyclists set off from Cardiff before snaking through Newport, Caerleon, Monmouthshire, and Torfaen and across Caerphilly Mountain before returning to the capital.

Residents are being advised to plan ahead with a rolling road closure system allowing sections of the route to re-open between the amateur and professional cyclists.

In Monmouthshire the B4598 Porthycarne Street, B4598 Abergavenny Road and B4598 Chain Bridge Road will be closed between 1.50pm and 2.50pm.

The A4042 from Llanover and B4269 will also be closed between 8am and 1.30pm, while the A4042 Usk Road and A4042 (southbound Little Mill to Pontypool) will be closed from 10am to 1.30pm.

With thousands of cyclists and spectators expected to stop through the county on Sunday, several eateries along the route are preparing for a busy day.

In Usk, the Nags Head pub in Twyn Square will be serving coffee and cake, while the Three Salmons Hotel will be open and serving breakfast.

The Castle Inn, Green Flute Café and Blossoms coffee shop will also all be open from 10am.

Residents wishing to watch the event should note the key times that cyclists will start arriving in Monmouthshire:

l Magor: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 7.58am

l Usk: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 8.40am

l Nant-y-Derry: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 8.55am

l Llanfoist: First 140km amateur cyclists expected 9.07am

l Tumble summit: First 140km amateur cyclists 9.17am

l Little Mill: First 110km amateur cyclists expected 10.14am

Cllr Bob Greenland, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, said: “This is the third year that we have welcomed cyclists to beautiful Monmouthshire.

“It has been great to see so many visitors exploring our county during their training for the occasion and I would urge residents to make the most of this wonderful chance to watch this spectacular event taking place right on our doorstep.

“It has also been great to see the creativity and spirit of our residents in Usk – the streets, shops, cafes, pubs and businesses here look beautiful adorned with crocheted, painted and themed bikes which complement Usk’s flower displays.”

Economy secretary Ken Skates added: “I’m delighted that the people of Monmouthshire are embracing and celebrating the arrival of the Velothon in such varied and creative ways.”

If you have any commitments, carer responsibilities or holiday travel on the day, call Velothon organisers on 02921 660 790.

Visit www.velothon.com/wales for further advice.