To mark 100 days until the return of Wales’ biggest cycling sportive, VELOTHON Wales 2017 has revealed a brand new interactive map of the stunning 140km and 110km routes.

The countdown is on for this year’s event on Sunday 9th July , as up to 15,000 cycling enthusiasts gear up to take-on The Tumble and other challenging climbs on closed roads along the picturesque Welsh course, that starts and finishes in Cardiff

As the big day draws nearer, VELOTHON Wales has launched an interactive map to take you on a journey around the two spectacular routes. The full Google maps functionality allows riders to be taken on a tour through the spectacular Welsh countryside with exclusive video content and a guide to the route highlights, including historical points of interest and images of the main landmarks along the way.

The current gradient is illustrated at the bottom of the screen and updated as the distance increases to give participants the full picture of the challenge they are about to embark on.

Competitors will be able to plan their VELOTHON every step of the way, with water and feed points highlighted on the interactive map at www.velothon.com/events/velothon-wales/the-event/courses.

Nigel Russell, Event Director, VELOTHON Wales commented: “VELOTHON Wales is fast becoming a major event on the Welsh sporting calendar, and excitement is building as we close in on this year’s race.

“Our new interactive map gives both riders and those still thinking about entering, a snapshot of the breathtaking views they will experience on July 9th. We hope it whets the appetite and allows people to plan out what promises to be a fantastic day of cycling.

“We are working hard to ensure everything is in place for riders from the United Kingdom and beyond to enjoy the spectacular Welsh scenery on closed roads this summer.

“We thank local authorities from Cardiff, Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Caerphilly for their crucial support, as we aim to build on the success of the last two years.

It has been particularly pleasing to see local communities along the route getting behind the event to make it the biggest and best VELOTHON Wales yet. ”

You can still be a part of this year’s VELOTHON Wales, but time is running out to get involved.

If you are a keen cyclist, the 140km course is ideal for your next challenge. Amateur cyclists and pro riders alike will start in the heart of Cardiff city centre before heading east through Newport and Usk, before entering the Brecon Beacons National Park, home of the legendary Tumble climb.

The route then heads south via Pontypool and Newbridge on its way to Caerphilly for one final climb up the stunning Caerphilly mountain, before finishing with a fast descent towards the finish line, in the heart of the Welsh capital.

Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer, Welsh Cycling commented: “With 100 days to go until Velothon Wales, Welsh Cycling is excited to welcome thousands of cyclists to Wales, and get behind our clubs and members who are taking on the challenge. The route passes by some of Wales’ most iconic landmarks, with the famous climbs of The Tumble and Caerphilly mountain. We hope the people of Wales will be inspired to get on their bikes and embrace VELOTHON Wales this summer.”

If climbing the Tumble is not for you, there is a 110km course that cuts out the fearsome climbs to half the elevation – just 940 metres. Capacity is limited for the 110km option and entries are almost sold out, so move fast to secure your place.

Economy Minister, Ken Skates, said: “VELOTHON is developing to be an epic event in Wales’ events calendar as more cyclists take up this opportunity of racing a closed road event. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Wales’ unique and beautiful landscape to the world, as well as highlighting our ability to host a variety of major events.

“The spectators in Wales have always given the cyclists a real warm Welsh welcome and have created a fantastic atmosphere, I hope that people come out to support the event again this year. Being a part of an event such as this can really inspire people to want to take up the sport and Wales offers plenty of opportunities for cycling.”

For further information including online entry please visit www.velothon.com/wales

Entries are also available through official charity partner Bloodwise. To find out more about how to get involved and help change the world for blood cancer patients and their families with every pedal, please click HERE