WALES' record-breaking adventurer Richard Parks has declared that the British Cycling National Road and Time Trial Championships will be 'awesome' after becoming an Ambassador for the competition that takes place in Monmouthshire next week (June 26-29). Richard, 36, became a Welsh hero after completing an incredible adventure - the 737 Challenge - where he climbed the highest peaks on all the world's continents, including Mount Everest, and stood on both Poles in the space of just seven months. And earlier this year, Richard became the fastest British man to walk unsupported and unaided to the South Pole. His journeys take months of planning and training and Richard said that cycling plays an enormous part in his preparations for his treks. And next week, he will be joining the massed ranks of cyclists from across the UK who will ride the Championship Sportive the day before stars like Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas set out on their own challenge to win the National Road Race Championships 2014. The former Wales rugby union international is planning further incredible journeys in the future and said he is 'proud' to be an Ambassador of the Championships. He said, "Cycling is a lifestyle to me. It forms the main component of my cardiovascular training for my expeditions, and there is also nothing better than a long ride exploring yourself as much as the geography around, just for fun! It's a great way to see a country, or a city. "I'm excited to be involved in such an awesome event here in Wales and proud to be an ambassador for the National Road and Time Trial Championships. It's a privilege for me to help promote the beautiful countryside and attractions on our doorstep here in Monmouthshire, and, in a small way, help promote cycling along with all the associated health and wellbeing benefits." Richard also fully understands the way that charities benefit from the efforts of people taking part in events like the Championship Sportive that raise much-needed sums of money for good causes. His own 737 Challenge was designed not only for the ex-rugby player to conquer all the highest peaks on the planet but, in doing so, raise hundreds of thousands of pounds, which he achieved, for cancer charity the Marie Curie Trust. Now, Richard is 'excited' that Britain's greatest cyclists will be in competition right in front of the eyes of both himself and the thousands of fans that are coming to Monmouthshire next week. Richard added, "I'm a cycling fan. It is incredible that there will be seven London Olympic Games gold medalists, several Tour de France riders and stage winners plus numerous World, European and National Champions all riding in Monmouthshire next week. "We are blessed here in Wales with some great roads. I can't wait to see the riders in 'real time' as it's just insane how fast they really are. It's also an exciting time in the build-up to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July, with many Team Wales riders racing in the National Cycling Championships on home tarmac." Ian Saunders, Monmouthshire County Council's Head of Tourism, Leisure and Culture, welcomed Richard as an Ambassador for the National Championships saying, "We have all stood back in awe and watched Richard's achievements over the last few years so it is amazing for us that he accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador of the National Championships. "His record-breaking expeditions have needed many months of planning and training of which cycling plays a key role. I am sure he will enjoy a fantastic weekend of riding the Championship Sportive and also watching the stars of British cycling on Welsh roads." Anybody who wishes to enter the Championship Sportive can join on the day at Bailey Park, Abergavenny. More details of the whole Championships weekend can be found on http://www.nationalroadchamps.co.uk">www.nationalroadchamps.co.uk