COUNCILLORS will be asked to back the controversial Velothon cycle race returning to Monmouthshire next year – even though they slammed this year’s event as 'shambolic'.

The first, which started and finished in Cardiff, passed through Monmouthshire, Caerphilly and Torfaen on June 14.

At a meeting in September, cabinet member for operations Cllr Bryan Jones said it caused massive disruption to residents because of major road closures and “muppet” organisers.

Caerphilly MP Wayne David said the event had been a "nightmare" for some of his constituents, while Monmouth MP David Davies led a call for compensation to be paid to businesses who were left out of pocket by road closures.

But the Welsh Government, who were responsible for the event along with organisers Lagardere Events Unlimited, said no money was available to reimburse traders' losses.

In a report prepared for a council meeting to be held tomorrow (Thurs), members will be told there will be no money available for that next year either. But they will hear it is hoped newly appointed organiser Run 4 Wales will improve next summer’s event.

In September Raglan councillor Penny Jones asked the council to only grant organisers permission to use Monmouthshire as long as communication with residents improved and that the authority paid nothing towards the event.

Amongst scathing comments from members, Cllr Kevin Williams said disruption in Govilon was “ludicrous and an absolute shambles”.

According to the Velothon’s website, organisers hope 18,000 riders will take part – up from 13,000 in June. A date for 2016's race is still to be confirmed.

A Monmouthshire council document which will be seen by councillors shows half of all competitors lived outside Wales.

The authority notes that a new governance structure has been put in place in preparation for next summer's event. A steering group will oversee the overall event, above three groups: race logistics, event marketing and communications and event logistics.

The council document states: “The organisers wish to promote the event and disclose the route as early as possible to enable a longer and more effective communication strategy with those impacted.

“They will also develop local communication channels working with our hubs and contact centre to utilise local knowledge and existing networks.”