EXCITING new changes are taking place for the Grand Prix of Wales on July 17 that could be decisive in the destiny of this year’s Motor Point Grand Prix Series.

The country’s leading professional riders will be going for glory in the Grand Prix of Wales, which is the centrepiece of this year’s Abergavenny Festival of Cycling and the penultimate leg of the Grand Prix Series.

But the riders face the prospect of climbing a famous Welsh landmark, which has long been part of the mass participation Iron Mountain Sportif route, but not used for a major professional road race.

And the pros will be climbing this hill not just once but three times.

Indeed, the village of Grosmont will be laying out the red carpet for all the riders in just under two months time.

The Grand Prix of Wales will see riders ascending the Grosmont Hill as part of three, 13-mile laps of the North Gwent village within the 113-mile professional road race route.

The Family Finance Sprint competition will be central to the action and is sure to have a big effect on who arrives at the finish line in Abergavenny a few miles later.

Organiser Bill Owen said, "This is an exciting new addition to the Grand Prix of Wales. The aftermath of three ascents of the Grosmont climb, as happened at the Tour de Yorkshire this year, is bound to have a serious effect on the final outcome of the race as the field head towards Abergavenny for ten finishing laps of the town centre and Mardy circuit.

"Grosmont’s community are already embracing the part they will play in the event, and will lay out the red carpet to welcome the competitors and spectators for both the Iron Mountain Sportive on Saturday July 16 and road race the following day with village festivities, including a beer festival and barbecues planned for the whole weekend."

To enter the Iron Mountain Sportive and to find out more about the Grand Prix of Wales and the other events in the action-packed weekend, go to www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk.