AS part of the celebrations to commemorate 20 years of successful twinning, Abergavenny's twin town of Beaupreau are searching for local cyclists wishing to participate in France's 'Tour des Mauges'.
The forthcoming twinning anniversary is due to take place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, when an Abergavenny contingent will visit France for a few days of festivities.
However, as the 2009 Tour des Mauges falls on May 2-3, the twinning association felt it would be an excellent idea to invite a host of Abergavenny cyclists along for the ride.
A representative of Abergavenny's French twin stated, "Following discussions with General Councillor Leroy and The Mayor of Beaupreau, M. Chevalier about the Tour de Mauges 2009 we have contacted the FFC (Federation of French Cycling) to find out under what technical conditions we would be able to include foreign teams in a twinning context in order to maximise relationships with our foreign visitors.
"As foreign teams are not normally allowed to compete in regional competitions the FFC may be able to give us a special dispensation because of the Twinning.
"In order to do this we would need to know the categories in which the Welsh cyclists compete to see if the FFC could accept these for the Tour des Mauges 2009."
The Tour des Mauges consists of three stages leaving from and returning to Beaupreau.
First Stage is on Saturday, May 2 (140 km race). The Second Stage is on Sunday morning, (50km race with hills), and the third stage is on Sunday afternoon (80 km circuit).
Each team is to be made up of six cyclists with a maximum of two first category cyclists (non professional), and the remainder should be from second, third, or junior category.
Abergavenny and Beaupreau Twinning Association committee member Kay Blackwell told the Chronicle, "We are hoping that some Abergavenny cyclists will take up the invitation from Beaupreau to take part in these races, and if so, please could they contact us as a matter of urgency, because we need to let Beaupreau Cycling Club know how many and what standard of riders might be taking part.
"I know Abergavenny riders have taken part in races in Beaupreau some years ago, as I recall watching them during the circuits around the town on a Sunday morning. I'm sure they had a terrific visit, and the same will apply to any rider going with us on this trip."
For more information please ring Kay Blackwell on 01873 831566.