Following its successful debut event in 2015, Velothon Wales will return to South Wales on Sunday 22nd May 2016.
General entries for the closed-road sportivewill go on sale from 9am onMonday 30th November but anyone who pre-registers their interest at www.velothon-wales.co.uk before midnight on Sunday 22nd November will have access to a priority window to claim one of 10,000 discounted entries at £59. These discounted entries will go on sale at 9am on Monday 23ndNovember.
Up to 18,000 riders will be able to take part in the UK’s second-biggest sportive along a spectacular 140km route on completely closed roads through South Wales. With over 20,000 pre-registrations to date, entries are once again likely to sell out in a matter of weeks.
Full details of the 2016 route and road closures will be released in early 2016,however it is likely to be similar to the spectacular 140km route in 2015 -which was rated as excellent by 76% of participants.
Nextyear’s event will be delivered by Run 4 Wales, the major events team behind the Lloyds Bank Cardiff Half Marathon andthe forthcomingIAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships, Cardiff 2016.
Intensive planning work has been underway since the first Velothon Wales in June this year to minimise disruption to the public during the 2016 event. There will be much earlier and wider engagement with residents and businesses affected, enabling everyone to plan ahead more effectively.
Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to be deliveringnext year’s Velothon Wales.“2015 was a fantastic event and with our local expertise we believe together we can host an even bigger and better Velothon Wales in 2016.
“As with all new events there are areas where improvements can be made and we will certainly be taking these recommendations on board. Run 4 Wales have a proven track record of delivering high-quality events in Wales and Velothon Wales is an exciting addition to our portfolio.”
In addition to the popular mass participation sportive, Velothon Wales will also host a UCI sanctioned 1.1 professional road race which is expected to welcome some of the world’s biggest teams and riders.
The sportive has the continued backing of the British Cycling, Welsh Cycling, Welsh Government and the five local authorities involved in the route, Cardiff Council, Newport City Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Torfaen County Borough Council.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates,said: “The first Velothon Wales was a unique and exciting opportunity to showcase Wales to the world.
“It was fantastic to see so many people coming out in support along the route and giving all participants, including those cycling for charity, a warm Welsh welcome.
“We had some excellent feedback from participants who enjoyed the atmosphere and the event but 2015 was the first time for this major closed road cycling event to take place and we learnt some valuable lessons in terms of minimising disruption to busy communities. With the benefit of experience, we now look forward to working with Run 4 Wales and local partners as they delivera bigger and better event for 2016.
“Next year is the Year of Adventure in Wales which will celebrate all we have to offer as an adventure destination.The Velothon is an excellent opportunity for people to sign up and get training for their own personal challenge and to take part in Year of Adventure 2016.”
Jonny Clay, British Cycling Cycle Sport and Membership Director, commented:“Coupling international level road racing and mass participation events has proved to be a very exciting and successful addition to the traditional standalone inspirational road race, and that was again demonstrated at this year’s inaugural Velothon Wales.
“The event is a welcome addition to the cycling calendar and we have been working closely with the organisers to ensure that next year’s event provides an exceptional and memorable experience for the thousands of riders who take part.”
Cllr Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Community Development, Co-operatives and Social Enterprise at the City of Cardiff Council said: “I am pleased that Velothon Wales 2016 will be coming to Cardiff again next year.
“Cardiff has an excellent reputation at hosting high profile sporting events to the highest standards and we look forward to working with neighbouring authorities and the organisers of this event to make it even more successful than last year.”
Bob Wellington CBE, leader of Torfaen council, said: “The Velothon Wales was a huge success and many residents entered into the spirit of the event, coming out to watch and support the riders as they passed through the borough.
“We have fed back our suggestions to improve the event and the engagement with local people, and we are looking forward to welcoming the riders to Torfaen again in 2016.”
Newport City Councilsaid: “Cycling is an important part of Newport’s sporting life as it is home to the Wales National Velodrome and it has hosted successful training camps for major competitions such as the Olympics.
“The Velothon has the potential to bea great event for the city. We aresure that the organisers have learnt the lessons from last year’s inaugural event and will give information to residents and businesses in plenty of time for them to prepare for the 2016 Velothon.”
Cllr Keith Reynolds, Leader of Caerphilly Council said: “We are pleased to be working with the new delivery team after seeking reassurance that lessons will be learnt from this year’s inaugural event.
We will consult affected businesses and communities as we did last year once we receive detailed road closure proposals from the organisers.
“We look forward to working with the team to build on the success of Velothon 2015 and recognise that events like this help put our area on the map, but we want to ensure that we maximise the benefits whilst minimising disruption to local people.”
Cllr Bob Greenland, deputy leaderof MonmouthshireCounty Council, said: “Monmouthshire officers have been working extremely hard with organisers of the 2016 Velothon to ensure that lessons learnt from the 2015 race can be incorporated into next year's event. Having listened to feedback, an alternative route through much of the County is planned and early consultation will be at the heart of proposals that will be put before elected members in a few weeks.