Cyclists are being invited to get on their bikes, take on the challenge of Velothon Wales 2016 and raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK as they go.

Thousands of people are expected to take to the course on May 22, which begins and ends in Cardiff. The 140km route takes cyclists across some of Wales’ most breath-taking scenery, visiting Newport, Usk, Abergavenny, Pontypool and Caerphilly.

The challenging course also includes two notorious climbs: The Tumble and Caerphilly Mountain. The whole route takes place on completely closed roads, offering a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.

The event is a great opportunity to fundraise for a good cause and by cycling for official charity partner Alzheimer’s Research UK, participants can join the fightback against dementia.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, funding world class studies to help us understand more about the condition and how we can defeat it. All money raised from Velothon cyclists brings us closer to finding effective treatments for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Sian Hayward from Usk, Monmouthshire, lost her dad to Alzheimer’s disease in 2003. Dai Hayward had been a rugby player and committeeman at Arms Park Rugby Club in Cardiff for almost 40 years and had six caps for Wales.

She explained why she supports the charity, “I support Alzheimer’s Research UK because they’re our best bet for finding a cure. Dementia is a cruel condition which strips away everything that makes someone who they are. It’s so important that we fund research into treatments so we can protect future generations against its devastating effects. It would be a huge relief to millions of people, including myself.”

Velothon Wales is delivered by Run 4 Wales, in partnership with the Welsh Government and the local authorities of Cardiff, Newport, Monmouth, Caerphilly and Torfaen. The sportive will be followed by a professional race, promising an unforgettable cycling spectacle.

Kenneth Foreman, Sporting Events Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said, “Velothon Wales is a fantastic event and we’re really proud to be one of its official charity partners. It offers a great chance for cyclists of varying abilities to enjoy a closed-road event like a pro. We’re so grateful to everyone riding the course to raise money for the charity.

“There are 44 million people living with dementia around the world, and only research can help us defeat the condition. By joining Team Alzheimer’s Research UK, you will help to fund our pioneering work into diagnosis, prevention and treatments, which could change the lives of millions of people. One in three people over 65 will die with some form of dementia in the UK – this is something we have to stop. Together we have the power to defeat dementia.”

To join the Alzheimer’s Research UK team, for further information or to learn more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or go to www.alzheimersresearchuk.org. Please note that there are limited spaces available. To find out more about the event, visit www.velothon-wales.co.uk.