AROUND 200 elite cyclists from across the UK are due to line up on Chippenham Fields this Sunday for the inaugural Forest of Dean Spring Classic - an 80-mile endurance race starting and finishing in Monmouth. The road race on Sunday April 30 is billed as the latest 'Sportive' to arrive on the UK calendar, with riders tackling over 2,000m of climbing.

But in addition to the main event, organisers are calling on local residents and families to join in a small 12-mile 'Come and Try', a mass participation fun ride in aid of the Mayor's Charities.

Event organiser Graham Temple explained: "This is a short route of 12 miles following the main ride up to Trellech before looping round through the Narth, Pentwyn and back down the hill to Monmouth. Everything will start and finish on Chippenham Fields, where we will have a marquee for registration and trade and tourist attractions."

He added that £4 of the £5 entry fee will go to the Mayor's local charities with just £1 on insurance and administration.

Those taking part will receive numbers, timing chips and goody bags upon registering at the Trade Village on Chippenham on Saturday. The marquee will be open from noon till 7pm.

The Come and Try itself will then be flagged off on Sunday morning at 10.15am by Monmouth Mayor, Cllr Sue Chivers.

The marquee will be open from 7.30am-6pm on Sunday while the elite riders tackle the roads over the border and back.

Sponsors already agreeing to back the event include Sports Tours International, Michelin, Buffera and SIS.

Entry forms, further details and maps are available online at www. forestofdeanspringclassic. co.uk

Alternatively, pick up an entry form from the Monmouth Free Press office, or Bridge Cycles, who have agreed to give free safety checks to riders' bikes.