Welcome to the 2010 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling

BRITAIN'S hottest cycling property, Mark Cavendish, will ride this month's National Road Race Championships at Abergavenny and his confirmation completes the best field ever assembled for the coveted British jersey.

Cavendish, 23, joins a line-up which is littered with Olympic Games gold, silver and bronze medalists, Tour de France riders and previous national champions who will take on the challenging 160 kilometre course on Sunday June 28 around roads of Monmouthshire.

The Isle of Man rider shot to fame last year when he became the first Briton to win four stages of the Tour de France.

And the Columbia-High Road star has shone again in 2009 by winning the prestigious Milan-SanRemo race, which he described as 'the most beautiful day of my life', in March before taking two stage wins in the classic Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy) last month.

Cavendish joins Olympic gold medalists Geraint Thomas, a long-time friend of the Manx man and hoping to win the Nationals for the first time on home soil, plus legendary double track gold medalist Bradley Wiggins in the line-up.

Also riding are Tour de France stage winner David Millar, who won the National Championships over the Abergavenny course in 2007, Sydney Olympics bronze medalist and defending British champion Rob Hayles, and Athens Olympics bronze medalist Chris Newton.

Double former national king Roger Hammond, winner in Newport in 2003 and 2004, plus the man who succeeded him in 2005, Sheffield's Russell Downing, who also swept all before him last summer on the domestic road scene, are on the starting list.

Cavendish, speaking to Cycling Weekly last week, thinks he will be up against it to win a title that still eludes him as he will have to do it alone while other rivals will ride with their teams and target him.

Cavendish said: "Strength-wise, I could do something. There'll be a load of Cervelos, a load of Raphas, a load of Plowman Cravens and they'll jump on my back wheel.

"The thing is, it's got to be in someone's interests to let me get in a break. Surely they want me to be doing as much work as possible, so why not let me go in a break and try to beat me that way?

"Why chase me down and then watch others go up the road? It'll be even harder than last year because I won't even have a team-mate, but it's nice to ride.

"I know I can't get a result but I still want to ride it because everyone is coming back and it's the National Championships."

Thomas thinks Cavendish is being hard on himself and that he will be right in the mix.

The Cardiff-born 23-year-old Team Pursuit gold medalist in Beijing last August said: "People like Cavendish, Wiggins and Millar will be super-motivated - and you have the GB academy as well. So I think it will just be a super-hard and fantastic race."

And, with reigning Olympic Games and world champion Nicole Cooke defending her women's national crown the previous day plus the Junior Championships being staged on the same weekend for the first time, Abergavenny Festival of Cycling organiser Bill Owen is delighted.

Owen said: "These are, without doubt, the best fields ever assembled for the National Championships.

"The men's race is wide open and I really do not know who is going to win it. To have Mark Cavendish entering just completes a sensational line-up. The course has numerous different elements which will test riders across the board so there is no obvious favourite.

"And, with the finish line in the centre of Abergavenny, it would be one of the best sporting moments in the town's history should we witness a combination of Cavendish, Wiggins, Millar, Thomas, Downing, Hayles, Newton and Hammond - or all of them at once - charging to the line in a real Tour de France-style sprint finish.

"I have been involved in cycling for over 40 years and I cannot think, in all that time, that the National Championships men's race has had such a incredible line-up. It is all set for an outstanding weekend."

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OLYMPIC champions and Tour de France riders may be powering into Abergavenny at the end of June but one of Britain's best domestic men could upstage them all and win the 2009 National Road Race Championships.

Sheffield's Russell Downing was unbeatable in 2008 around the road of the UK, winning the almost every event he entered.



Now the Yorkshireman has began the new season with avengence again, with two big wins - at the Lincoln Grand Prix and stage three of the Cinturon a Mallorca.

The 2005 national champion has also just come away from the Irish FBD Insurance Ras with a seventh place overall classification and third place in the Points contest, just two behind Belgium winner Niko Eeckhout.

So Downing, who won both the Get Connected! International Criterium town centre circuit races and the Robert Price Grand Prix of Wales in Monmouthshire last year has the road knowledge of this year's course to make a big play for the title even with the presence of Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas, David Millar, Bradley Wiggins and Roger Hammond.

The 30-year-old said: "I've just finished the Ras which was a big preparation for the Nationals. Now it's time to recover from that Tour of Ireland, wind down a bit and then build up."

He expects a wide-open affair on June 28 which could come down to a sprint finish. He added: "I don't think the race will split on the climb (the daunting Tumble between Abergavenny and Blaenavon) but it could on the finishing circuits.

"It's 160 kilometres which is shorter than previous years but that makes for a good race and a fast one."

Downing took the national crown the year after Hammond secured his second successive domestic title over the roads outside Newport, Gwent, in 2004.

And his Lincoln Grand Prix victory, in which he outsprinted the top British opposition to win in May, has sent a warning to the rest that he is bang in form again.

"I just put my form down to hard training," said Downing. "I had two hard races in Majorca this year and used them as training races.

"In the Lincoln, I wanted to split the field but I didn't and I was pretty fortunate to win it in the last climb."

There is another man that Downing would sorely like to finish ahead of over the Abergavenny course - but only for team purposes.

Brother Dean is down to ride the race for the Rapha-Condor team while Russell is riding for the Candi TV/Marshalls Pasta RT side.

Downing added: "There is a lot of rivalry because he is with Rapha but it is only to please our respective sponsors."

So, while there will be British champions and Continental 'Classic' race riders galore fighting for the prized national jersey in Gwent, the dark horse - with the black colours to match - will be lurking to pounce on any opportunity to seize the glory for himself on the finish line in Abergavenny.

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OLYMPIC gold medalist Geraint Thomas believes the Iron Mountain Sportif, where the general public can ride the National Road Race Championships course, is a must for all club members, families and friends.

Thomas, who won gold in the Beijing Olympic Games Team Pursuit last August, will be taking part in the men's event on Sunday June 28, the highlight of the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling, where he will be determined to win the national jersey for the first time.

But he has some sound advice for people riding all or part of the 100-miles circuit in the two-day Iron Mountain Sportif on June 20 and 21.

Entries are available for the mass participation public ride, where serious club members, fun riders and families can tackle distances from 25 miles to 50 miles or attempt the whole National Championships 100 miles course - including the famous Tumble Mountain climb!

Thomas, who has ridden the Tumble in his earlier years during the Junior Tour of Wales, said it is great to see cycling getting better and better in the UK.

The Cardiff-born ace, who finished the Tour de France at his first attempt two years ago, said that the Iron Mountain Sportif is perfect for riders of all ages and experience to get involved in the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling's action.

"It will be ideal, really. You have got a nice climb to get stuck into across The Tumble and, after that, you can then enjoy it a bit more," said the 22-year-old.

"Just to ride the same roads as we do is great. People can try and compare themselves with us and that is all part of the sport.

"It's not just about the professionals and the winning side of things, it is about the fun and enjoyment of it, keeping fit and having a healthy lifestyle. It is just a great sport to be a part of."



The shorter routes would suit families and children but anyone tackling the full distance over the two days needs a bit of fitness, said the Great Britain team member.

"It would be tough for a 40-year-old man who smokes and drinks and does not really train too much but a good test for someone to go up and go over the top. That is an achievement in itself."

So what is the right way to approach the Sportif? In exactly the same way as any marathon, believes Thomas.

"You don't want to attack it too hard," he advises. "You have just got to pace yourself. I would not go sprinting off but just take your time and enjoy it.

"Keep the gears down and just look around at the scenery. When you come down to the finish, you can put a bit of gas into it if you want to beat your mates.

"But it is important to eat and drink as well while you are going around. That's a main thing. Keep the gears down and you will be alright."

And you do not need to have a super bike like Thomas' racing machine. He added: "I don't think so, just so long as it is in good working order and you have decent gears on the back."

Details of the courses and entry for the Iron Mountain Sportif are available on-line at www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk

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THREE of the big names that are set to ride in the National Road Race Championships in June hit top form over the weekend.

Mark Cavendish, who is due to link with other prospective Great Britain team riders for their first get-together at the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling, became the first Brit to wear the Giro d'Italia's pink leader's jersey when he took the opening stage on Saturday.

Cavendish, who won four stages of last year's Tour de France and is domestic racing's hottest property, crossed the line for his Colombia team in the opening 20.5 km Time Trial around the streets of Venice in 21 minutes 50 seconds.

And he retained the overall lead on Sunday despite finishing second in a sprint finish behnd Italy's Alessandro Petacchi.

Another Brit due to ride in Abergavenny, Ben Swift, also part of the GB get-together party, came third behind Cavendish in the second stage.

Meanwhile, back in the UK, last year's double Abergavenny Festival of Cycling winner Russell Downing landed one of the biggest domestic crowns of the year by taking the Lincoln Grand Prix on Sunday in a sprint finish.

Downing won both the Get Connected! Criterium elite men's race and the Robert Price Grand Prix of Wales International Road Race in 2008. He also went on to win the season-long domestic Premier Calendar Series of top races around the UK.

Ian Wilkinson, of the Halfords BikeHut team, was second, with Olympian Chris Newton in third for Rapha Condor.

Women's Olympic and world champion Nicole Cooke is expected to defend her national title in Abergavenny on June 27 and continues the build-up to that by riding in her third World Cup competition of the year, the La Fleche Wallonne, in Belgium on Friday week.

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THE WALES Open Criterium on Friday June 26 will bring together some of the country's best road racers to Abergavenny on a slightly-changed circuit around the town centre streets.

Once again, promoter Bill Owen has allowed sufficient time with the road closures to enable a selection of youth races to take place.

Last year, the two youth races attracted 54 riders, but amongst the entries some of the best up and coming cycling talent in the UK provided excellent entertainment for the large crowd of spectators.

In the Youth A race there was a fantastic battle between Josh Papworth and eventual winner Sam Harrison - both current national champions. In the Youth B race Sam Lowe made the long journey to display his undoubted talent and convincingly win his race.

Not to be outdone by the boys, Ruby Miller demonstrated what regular spectators at the Revolution meetings have seen this past winter to easily win the girls race. In the Youth C race Harvey Lowe made light work of the opposition to give a glimpse of his ability, which earlier this year resulted in him winning the Under 14 National Trophy Cyclocross Series.

Once again, the youth races will be organised by David James, and this year there will be an additional race for Youth E boys and girls which will start off the evenings proceedings. Entries to all three races will be limited, so if you think you've got what it takes to race on the same circuit as the professionals and want to show off your ability in front of large crowds then get your entries in soon.

Please make cheques payable to CC Abergavenny. Entry fees are £7.50 for Youth A & B, £5.00 for Youth C & D and £3.00 for Youth E. First race will commence at 6.30pm.

Post all entries to David James, Cwmheulog, Llwyndu, Abergavenny, NP7 7HY.

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HUNDREDS of riders, from the young to the veterans, will be following part of the routes taken by Britain's best performers as the 2009 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling kicks-off in style with the Iron Mountain Sportif next month.

Entries are now being taken for the Gold, Silver and Bronze at www.abergavennyfestivalofcycling.com and the organisers think that having the event over two days instead of one and changing the date will give people a better opportunity to get involved.

Over the last two years since the revival of the Abergavenny Festival, the mass participation event has been held on the middle Saturday between the Get Connected! Welsh Open Criterium and the main Robert Price Grand Prix of Wales, which will again include the National Road Race Championships this year.

Now organiser Bill Owen has decided to hold the two-day Sportif at the start of the week-long Festival to kick things off with a bang. It will be taking place on Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21.

Owen said: "It is always nice to get the visitors here in Abergavenny to ride the Grand Prix of Wales course but we thought it would be even better for people to have two days to enjoy the spectacular scenery around our beautiful county.

"It allows people the chance to choose which day they would like to ride the Sportif and, for some, whether they would like to ride one route on Saturday and another on Sunday.

"That, of course, means that the family can ride one of the other routes with dad the day before or after he has a go at at the Big One, the Gold ride which includes the assent of the Iron Mountain - The Tumble between Abergavenny and Blaenavon which is three miles long and rises up to 1,500 feet.

"We have rides for everyone over the two days. The Bronze Rides are 25 mile events on easy routes, the Silver Rides are a bit more testing over 50 miles, while the Gold Rides are 100 miles which includes that big climb."

The Sportif is being staged on Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21. The Bronze events will see riders going over the flatlands of Monmouthshire which take in Usk and Raglan.

The Silver Ride adds another 25 miles along the undulated roads between Monmouth and Abergavenny, while the Gold Ride is the big one which is the Silver 50-miler plus visits past the World Heritage Sites around Blaenavon, on the descent of the Iron Mountain and the Brecon Beacons National Park.

On Sunday, the Bronze Ride skirts around North Monmouthshire and the Usk Valley and the Silver 50 mile Ride adds stunning Wye Valley which includes testing descents to Tintern Abbey and past the Rolls Estate, named after one half of Rolls-Royce.

And, although the Gold Ride is in the shadow of the Iron Mountain, it does include visits to Brecon, skirting Llangorse Lake and a final climb up Cwm Sorgwm before descending into Crickhowell and Abergavenny.

Owen said: "These will suit everyone and, as in the past, they are sure to prove popular with everyone who participates."

Go to the Iron Mountain Sportif section on this website to ride the course.

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BRITAIN'S best cycling stars will be roaring around the streets of Abergavenny again on Friday June 26 as the Get Connected! Wales Open Criterium comes to town again.

The event signals the start of the big weekend of action that includes the National Road Race Championships throughout Monmouthshire.

But the evening street event is a chance for people to see the greats of professional cycling up close and personal as they race around the town centre for over an hour.

This year, the start and finish line is outside the headquarters of Get Connected, the largest independent mobile phone retailer in Wales who are title sponsorships for a third successive year.

Last year's race was won by British international Russell Downing who will be returning to the circuit to defend his crown.

The challenging circuit will see riders fly down Castle Street to Lower Castle Street and past The Angel Hotel on Cross Street where the race pits are located.

Then it is onto a circuit of Market Street and Lion Street before a sharp left-hand bend and a long sprint down Nevill Street.

And it is not just the pros in action either, with the youngsters of various clubs in the vicinity taking part in their own races on the circuit, something which Get Connected! managing director Damian Cole sees as an important part of the evening.

“It is a fantastic event for the people of Abergavenny who support the Criterium in their thousands and we are delighted to be involved,” said Cole.

“People enjoy both the racing and the festival atmosphere and we all feel privileged to have some of Europe’s top professional cyclists within our midst.

“It will be the third year of our race sponsorship and the Get Connected commitment for 2009 extends to the youth race that precedes the elite event.

“Cycling is a fantastic sport and fits our criteria for sponsorship perfectly. Our cycling Olympians in Beijing were an inspiration to us all and there is a momentum which will hopefully encourage more young people to become involved in such a healthy pastime.”

Previous years have seen fans enjoying a very sociable evening out as well as witnessing some superb racing which is sure to be the case again in June.

Linking the Iron Mountain Sportif the previous weekend with the Get Connected! Wales Open Criterium and the National Championships are a series of midweek races for riders of all abilities.

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