TWO of Welsh cycling's prestigious mass participation rides have joined forces to make the 2011 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling the biggest event in the area.

The two organisers, Bill Owen, founder of the Iron Mountain Sportif, and Nick Bourne, organiser of the Tour of the Black Mountains, have shaken hands to merge their events under the Festival's banner.

The Iron Mountain Sportif has been the centrepiece of the Festival since it was re-introduced to Monmouthshire six years ago, with riders from across the UK enjoying the beautiful countryside.

However, the Tour of the Black Mountains also attracts great numbers to Abergavenny each year, starting and finishing in Bailey Park.

So it seemed obvious that both events should share the same weekend to combine into one - and now they have!

Now riders can enjoy all or part of the legendary National Road Race Championships course, ridden by such major names as Tour de France stars Bradley Wiggins, David Millar, Mark Cavendish and Wales' own top man and woman Geraint Thomas and Nicole Cooke in 2009.

The joint venture is also likely to be a huge boost for the Abergavenny economy, with hotels and restaurants booked out in advance.

And, with the addition of the Friday night Get Connected! Welsh Open Criterrium providing fast and furious races around the tight town centre roads from some of Britain's biggest stars, the Festival is set to be thrilling.

Owen said, "It seemed obvious that we should combine the two Sportifs into one weekend which will re-enforce Abergavenny as Wales' cycling heart.

"Cyclists of all ages can take in the bronze, silver and gold rides of the Iron Mountain - with the brave and strong climbing the famous Tumble between Abergavenny and Blaenavon - on one day and then taking the Tour of the Black Mountains challenge the following day.

"We both use the same infrastructure of marshals, stewards, start and finish line, headquarters at Abergavenny Rugby Club on Bailey Park, so we can share the costs of the events between us and have a tremendous weekend of cycling into the bargain."

Bourne added, "Abergavenny in South Wales is mecca for road cycling in the UK. combining these two superb routes on consecutive days adds a new dimension for serious sportive riders and for those looking for something a little less taxing there are routes suitable for novices and intermediate level riders.

"We are very excited about being part of the Festival and we hope the riders who take part will enjoy the town centre start, with crowds cheering them on and, as a result, have an even more enjoyable and rewarding weekend of cycling."

The Tour of the Black Mountains routes are 120, 101 and 63 miles in length and include incredible scenery as riders pass by beauty spots like Hay-on-Wye, Glasfyndd Forest and Talybont Reservoir.

But there are also some challenging climbs to suit the most serious of riders.

The 2011 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling takes place between July 8-11 and further details can be obtained at either http://www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk">www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk or http://www.touroftheblackmountains.com">www.touroftheblackmountains.com