THE annual Velothon Wales will not feature a professional race when it returns next year, a council report has revealed.

The event, which will enjoy its fourth foray into parts of Gwent on July 8, will forgo a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sanctioned race and instead focus on becoming a “mass participation race”.

It is hoped that the changes will mean significant reductions in road closures, one of main issues of contention among local residents.

Professional cyclists will still make up the thousands that take part but they will not ride in a race separate to amateur participants for the first time.

Instead, they will set off early in the morning at the front of the 140km Sportive.

The route traditionally starts in Cardiff and takes in Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Caerphilly before heading back to the capital.

A shorter 110km route cuts out testing uphill climbs in and around the Tumble in Abergavenny, and a report set to be shown to members of Monmouthshire County Council suggests that “similar races” will be offered.

The report also claims that a 50km route could also be in the offing.

A spokesman for Velothon Wales told the Argus: “A format change for 2018 will see the fastest of riders depart early in the morning at the front of the sportive, rather than in a separate Pro Race in the afternoon.

“This will significantly reduce the length of road closures required for the event, with the majority of roads now able to re-open early afternoon.

“Following three fantastic years of Velothon Wales, and consultation with local authorities, participants and communities, organisers are looking at a number of options around routes, which will be revealed in the coming weeks.”

Since it was first held in 2015, the race has divided public opinion among residents - but the council report suggests that the tide may be turning in favour of the event.

According to an internal debrief obtained by the Argus, positive opinions from people on social media regarding the Velothon in Monmouthshire has jumped from 21 per cent in 2016 to nearly 69 per cent in 2017.

The document also states that press stories covering negative aspects of the event have dropped from 44 per cent to nearly 26 per cent.

Improved outreach with communities throughout the county has been thought to have contributed to this change in thought.

A ‘Bike Off’ started by Usk Primary School Usk saw up to 100 upcycled bikes of varying colours and designs pop up between May and July.

However several areas of concern identified from this year’s event will be carried over into the preparation for 2018.

Road closures, particularly in Llanfoist and Usk, will be closely monitored along with litter left by participants and provisions for vulnerable residents.

The council will also aim to ensure that Monmouthshire maximises on opportunities for tourism and businesses and to build on community engagement.

Councillors will be asked to officially pledge their support for the Velothon 2018 at full council meeting on Thursday at 2pm.