ROAD closures will be in place this week as thousands of cyclists sweep across Gwent for the annual Velothon.

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.

You can see all the route maps for Sunday's Velothon 2017 including road closure information in the gallery above.

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.

A slightly shorter 110km course will also be introduced this year, following the same route, but with half the climbing of the 140km, which incorporates the Tumble and Caerphilly Mountain climbs.

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 Newport West, a large section of the B4239 will be closed from 6am to 10.45am while the A48 Westbound will also be closed between 6.30am and 11.45am.

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.

In Caerphilly, the A472 will be closed between 8.30am and 5pm while the A467, Newbridge to Crumlin, Hafod-yr-ynys Road, will also be closed from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

In the Torfaen area, the main road between Blaenavon and Pontypool, the A4043, will be closed for the duration of the event, from 8.30am until 4.30pm.

Adjoining side roads will also be closed to prevent traffic accessing the route and ensure rider safety.

The A4042 will be closed Northbound between 10am and 1:30pm, with delays expected between 2pm and 4pm. It will remain open Southbound between the Pontypool roundabout (McDonalds roundabout) and slip road at Pontymoil to allow access to New Inn, Griffithstown and parts of Pontypool.

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

Visit www.velothon.com/wales for advice on closures and traffic diversions.