Organisers of Velothon Wales announced last week that the premier cycling race would not feature on next year’s calendar.

Blaming financial problems, Velothon bosses said they had ‘failed’ to find a ‘sustainable model’ meaning the event will not feature in Wales in 2019.

After pulling the professional element of the event for next year, Velothon organisers decided against running the event which has attracted thousands of cyclists in recent years.

Velothon Wales is managed by Run 4 Wales, a licensee of Ironman (World Triathlon Corporation) and is one of a number of similar events put on throughout the UK and beyond.

Thousands of riders took part in the 2017 Velothon Wales, paying around £65 to enter.

Issuing a statement last week, organisers claimed the ‘successful’ event couldn’t find a financially viable path.

"Following detailed discussions between the Velothon series owners Ironman, the Welsh Government major events unit and local event delivery partners Run 4 Wales, we can now confirm there are no plans for Velothon Wales to continue in 2019 and beyond,” said organisers.

"Despite a successful event in 2018, in which more than 8,000 riders took part across three distances, it is unfortunate that we are unable to find a sustainable model for future events.” ??Organisers were keen to highlight what they deemed positives in the now defunct race.

"The event showcased Wales at its best and welcomed UCI professional road racing alongside 40,000 amateur riders, who were given a truly unforgettable experience on closed roads between 2015 and 2018.

"We would like to thank the people of Wales, each and every person who took part and the numerous stakeholder and partner agencies who made the event possible.

"As well as inspiring the next generation of Welsh cyclists, the Velothon leaves a legacy that confirms Wales’ position as a cycling destination and host for major global cycling events."??The move is likely to stoke contention given the polarising status of the Velothon. Many residents of Abergavenny and the surrounding areas have previously lamented the extensive road closures which arrive with the weekend spectacle, claiming such closures effectively ‘imprison’ them in their homes. ??Others point to the ‘economic boost’ the thousands involved bestow upon local businesses.

Monmouthshire County Council has been firmly in support of the Velothon, with deputy leader Bob Greenland previously underscoring the ‘financial and cultural’ benefits the race brings to Monmouthshire. ??MCC’s Ian Saunders, head of tourism, said, “Although many keen riders will be disappointed by the cancellation, Monmouthshire still offers a complete cycling experience with excellent facilities, enthusiastic local clubs and rides ranging from the leisurely to the extremely challenging in beautiful countryside. We welcome all cyclists including absolute beginners, the more experienced and champions like Geraint Thomas. 

“We’re proud that competitors in the first stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain passed through Monmouthshire in September and we look forward to hosting many similar events.”

David Davies, MP for Monmouth, said the issues stemming from the event’s organisation were to blame.

“There have been many complaints over the years that the race was not well organised and residents not properly informed about road closures.

“I am a keen cyclist and have taken part in a properly organised cycle race in Monmouthshire which did not involve road closures.

“When people are going to be denied access to their homes then the very least they can expect is a great deal of courtesy and accurate information delivered a long time in advance.”