As the popularity of cycling continues to grow from strength to strengh in the UK , Dave Brayley previews the always action-packed Abergavenny Festival Of Cycling .

I don ’ t think cycling has ever enjoyed a higher profile in this country at any other time in history , and with the on road antics of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish being closely matched by the success on the track of Sir Chris Hoy , Geraint Thomas and Becky James – all being masterminded by cycling guru Sir David Brailsford – it seems that cycling is currently in possession of more knights than King Arthur . But pleasingly , unlike many sports that sometimes deliver an explosion of interest in the way that cycling has , the number of amateurs embracing the actual physical side of the sport has also grown out of all proportion , which is obviously key to the continued growth of the sport . The 21st century has really presided over the phenomenon of the cycling sportive and many other challenging events that attract and inspire the mere mortals amongst us to attempt to emulate in some small way , the enormous achievements of Sir

Brailsford ’ s charges . Between Mon 8 and Sun 14 July , a superb cycling event occurs amongst the picturesque rolling hills of South Wales when the Abergavenny Festival Of Cycling takes place . Building on cycling ’ s massive increase in popularity , the festival caters for all types of riders of all abilities , ages , shapes and sizes . The festival encompasses the Wales Open Criterium , an hour-long race around the streets of Abergavenny town centre , with a youth race preceding the main event fought out by the top professionals , then there ’ s the Iron Mountain Sportif , a gruelling route offering either a 100 or 50-mile route . Both of which are extremely challenging and daunting . Finally , The Grand Prix Of Wales which closes the festival , is a race of 100 miles that will provide the sternest of challenges for many of Britain ’ s top cyclists who will be taking part . This really proves to be an extremely exciting and

vibrant event , and for more details of the many other attractions within the festival go to www . abergavennyfestivalofcycling . co . uk . Better still , why not visit at some point during the week to celebrate all that is good about in cycling in Wales .

Abergavenny Festival Of Cycling , Mon 8-Sun 14 July . Info : www . abergavennyfestivalofcycling . co . uk