Velothon Wales cycle race: Tacks discovered on route

Some cyclists were forced to carry their bikes after tacks were discovered on the route

Cyclists taking part in a major race in south Wales were forced to carry their bikes for a time after a small amount of tacks were discovered on the route.

Up to 15,000 riders are taking part in the Velothon Wales race through Cardiff, Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Caerphilly.

There had been criticism of road closures, with claims businesses could lose thousands of pounds in trade.

Velothon Wales' event director said the area had been quickly cleared.

Andy Taylor said: "We can confirm that a small amount of tacks were discovered at around 9.30am on isolated sections of the route at Belmont Road in Caerleon and 10.02am at High Street/New Road in Caerphilly."

Velothon rider Mark Tonkin, who travelled from Cornwall to take part in the race, said he witnessed a cyclist getting a punctured tyre from a tack.

"A guy punctured on a downhill piece and he could have taken out 50 riders. They could have been in hospital," he said.

Mr Tonkin said he could see why people might what to show they were "upset" about disruption the event caused.

Cyclist Mark Tonkin said he saw a rider's bike tyre punctured by a tack

"But to throw tacks down, to endanger people's lives, is not the way to do it," he added.

Cyclists and charity fundraisers from all over the UK and Europe are taking part in the event, which also includes a professional race.

Earlier, race organisers said road closures meant motorists could face disruption but affected routes would be reopened on a rolling basis to ensure minimum disruption.

Up to 15,000 riders are taking part in the Velothon Wales event

The event director for Velothon Wales said the area had been quickly cleared of tacks

'Good for business'

Amateur riders are taking on either a 140km (87-mile) or 50km (31-mile) route, whilst the professionals tackle a 194km (120-mile) route taking in Caerphilly mountain and The Tumble mountain in Abergavenny.

On Thursday, Velothon organisers admitted confusion over who had been consulted about the route, after Monmouth MP David Davies accused them of lying.

But while some have criticised the planning of the event, others have said it will be good for the area, including Cardiff where it starts and ends.

Mari Williams, of pro-cycling group Cardiff Cycling City, said: "It's great to see so much attention on cycling in Cardiff. We want Cardiff to be the best cycling city in the UK every day of the year.

"A city that's good for cycling is good for business. Cycling to work boosts productivity, improves staff retention and reduces travel costs."

Some Velothon Wales signs have been vandalised in protest at the road closures