ALMOST five hundred cyclists converged on Monmouthshire to take part in the Tour de Gwent 2016 in aid of St David’s Hospice Care on Sunday.

A chilly morning developed into a warm sunny spring day as riders resplendent in bespoke cycling jersey spread out from their start at Caerleon Cricket Club east into Monmouthshire.

Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care, said, “We really couldn’t have hoped for better weather. The conditions for riders and also spectators were ideal. There was a large crowd gathered at Caerleon Cricket Club to see the riders off at the start of the three routes, 77 miles, 37.5 miles and 20.5 miles and a large number of supporters dotted along the course to cheer the cyclists on their way.

"There was a great atmosphere throughout the day and the cyclists said how much they had enjoyed the ride on their return to Caerleon.

"The Tour de Gwent is a brilliant way to see the wonderful and unrivalled sights and countryside that we have in south east Wales."

Tour de Gwent 2016 lead sponsors are Whitehead Building Services, of Newport.

Keen cyclist Rhys Morton, Managing Director of Whitehead, who cycled the 77 mile course, said, " Cycling is a hugely popular hobby and we’re very lucky in this part of the UK to have some of the best cycling country that there is anywhere not just in Wales but in the entire UK.

“Riders at the end were saying what a fantastic event it is and that they can’t wait to come back again next year which augurs well for the future development of the Tour de Gwent as a major event in cyclists’ calendars."

The Tour de Gwent is designed to take in as many of the iconic sights in and around the Wye and Usk Valleys along the way, such as Tintern Abbey, Monnow Bridge and Llandegfedd Reservoir, to make the event as memorable and enjoyable for cyclists as well as supporters.

Organiser Franca Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care, said,“We’re thrilled to have been able to put on such a successful event which will bring in much needed funds to help St David’s Hospice Care to continue to deliver its vital care that it provides to people throughout our community."

Tour de Gwent 2016 sponsors are: Whitehead, EOS Architects, Kymin, Hutchings and Thomas Chartered Surveyors, Advantage Accountancy, G2A Energy, HAASCO Accountants, MCL Logistics, Mon Motors, PSM Sportswear, County Marquees, CNC Property, Protectorcomms Ltd, Dragon Air Conditioning, Tiny Rebel Brewery and Euan Designs.

To get more details of next year’s event and route visit www.tourdegwent.org