RETURNING for its third year, the 2017 Velothon saw more than 9,000 professional and amateur riders tackle the testing ride.

Two closed-road routes were offered to participants, with both running through parts of Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Caerphilly.

Both the 110km and 140km started and finished in Cardiff, and included challenging ascents, such as the gruelling Tumble, in Blaenavon.

The amateur cyclists, many of them fundraising for local and national charities, were the first to set off and began appearing along Lighthouse Road, in Duffryn, before 8am.

From there the route took them to Langstone and Caerleon before crossing county borders into Monmouthshire at Magor.

Various villages and towns were visited in the outlying parts of the county, with riders getting a particularly good reception in Usk.

Decorative bikes of various colours and materials had been designed by pupils at Usk CiW Primary in celebration of the event’s return.

Eventually riders would split into the two respective routes, with the 140km and professional cyclists allowed to tackle the Tumble summit.

Once conquered, the Tumble would give way to Blaenavon, Pontnewynydd and eventually Pontypool, where more spectators awaited.

Just before cyclists entered Pontypool they had the option of stopping by a refuelling station in Hospital Road.

The area opposite the Londis store was buzzing with activity, as riders grabbed the opportunity take fluids and food onboard before hopping back on their bikes.

Further along the A40432, footbridges played host to small clusters of people whose cheers were greeted with thumbs up by passing riders.

Will and Natalie Seabourne, of Griffithstown, decided to bring their son Jacob along to cheer on them on.

Mr Seabourne said: “We’ve come out here to support them and I think they deserve it.

“I just wish there was more of an effort to make it more family friendly and get kids out and about cycling on a small course somewhere along the route.”

Libby Byron travelled down from Essex just to see her son, Christopher Uney, take on the 140km ride.

The former submariner was riding for Teenage Cancer Trust and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

“It’s my first time in South Wales and I think it’s amazing to see people’s support as a lot of cyclists are doing it for a good cause,” said Mrs Byron.

“I think when they see us cheering them on it keeps them going.”

Pontypool residents Phil and Sarah Harding were keeping an eye on a number of friends taking part in the race for charities, such as T? Hafan.

Mr Harding, who said he has enjoyed watching every Velothon since the first in 2015, believes that having such a big cycling event in the area “sets a good example for kids”.

He added: “There’s some negativity but at the end of the day, you’ve got a year to plan around it, and it’s only one Sunday. It shouldn’t be an issue, and we support it all the way.”

From there, cyclists would snake their way through parts of Caerphilly before returning south towards the capital.

Th first rider home in amateur race was Anthony Roberts of Guildford with a time of three hours, 40 minutes and 43 seconds.

The honour of being the first Welsh-based rider to finish fell to Morgan Jones meanwhile, who came in only a minute later.

The first woman to finish was Tina Hartwright from London, who raced over the finish line in four hours, four minutes and 40 seconds.

The event’s director Nigel Russell said: “The third instalment of Velothon Wales proved to be the best yet along the stunning, sun-bathed course in South Wales.

“Local communities turned out in their droves to cheer on our 9,000 amateur riders and professionals, while our army of volunteers ensured this year’s event went down without a hitch.

“I would like to thank all five local authorities for making the 2017 VELOTHON Wales the unforgettable event it was. We’re already looking forward to next year.”

The event was met with a mixed reaction on the Argus website and Facebook page though, with some concerned about the impact of road closures along the route.

Argus website user rlewis wrote: “Some people are greatly affected by these closures - people not able to get to their place of work, very sick people left in hospital with families not able to get to them to visit, My 88 year old frail, sick mother will not be washed, dressed and fed tomorrow because her carer cannot get to her [sic].”

And Shanna Chiverton said: “Not impressed. I’m a care worker based around Cardiff and half the time I was refused to go through the roads, even when there weren’t any bikes! “When they diverted me, it was in a big circle. Just asked 2 ladies who were working who were helpful and allowed me through and guided me. Not impressed as one of my clients needed emergency care this morning [sic].”

But others were far more enthusiastic, with Bev Harris writing: “For gods sake you lot stop moaning I bet half of you never use your cars on Sundays it’s one day a yr & lots of money made for charity’s plus it cost these riders a lot of money to enter it have some respect [sic].”

And website user Flowerpop1235 wrote: “I’ve sat in Pontypool this morning and seen 2 carers being let through in the space of 5 minutes to go to where they needed to be, the organisers are not going to stop people in need being cared for!!! [sic].”

The professional race, which covered 172km and involved two climbs up the Tumble, involved 17 teams from 10 different nations and was won by Ian Bibby of Team JLT Condor, who finished third in last year’s race.

Next year’s race will take place on Sunday July 8.

Entry details will be announced soon.