Cycling and sporting personalities say Monmouthshire is an excellent venue for this year's National Road Race Championships.

Shane Sutton OBE, Olympic cyclist Becky James and Wales's most decorated sportswoman, Non Evans MBE, met yesterday (18th March) at the Celtic Manor Resort to discuss the routes for this year's championships.

The championships bring tens of thousands to the event's chosen destination every year with tourism and businesses experiencing a big boost. This year cyclists will travel through Chepstow, Monmouth, Tintern and Caldicot.

Monmouthshire was praised by the sports stars for its beautiful scenery steeped in history and was referred to as "the cycling capital of Wales."

Shane Sutton OBE said: "The scenery in Monmouthshire itself is fantastic, every athlete you speak to is excited about this year."

Leader of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), Peter Fox, said: "Monmouthshire is a wonderful county and a fantastic gateway to Wales.

"There is so much you will see and take back to other communities. Living here you sometimes forget how wonderful the county is. Flying along in the car you miss a lot."

There are several competitions within the event, starting on Thursday 26th June and ending Sunday 29th June.

The time trial championships will take place on Thursday 26th June with the route leading cyclists through the Usk Valley.

The time trial championships feature cyclists battling against the clock to cover the course in the quickest time.

Hugh Porter MBE, presenter at yesterday's conference, said: "It's all about you, the course, the elements and what you can deliver."

The Championship Sportive competition on Saturday 28th June has four routes to enjoy and is open to the public.

Dubbed "the most exhilarating ride of your life", cyclists can choose between four starting destinations: Chepstow, Monmouth, Abergavenny or the Celtic Manor.

There is a 41-mile 'ladies only' course, a 20-mile 'bronze' course, a 65-mile 'silver' course, and for those seeking a challenge, a 100-mile 'gold' course.

The route will take cyclists past Tintern Abbey and through Caldicot, Monmouth and Chepstow.

The Road Races take place on Sunday 29th June with female competitors racing a total distance of 100km and male cyclists racing 173.76km.

Cyclists will travel through Usk, Monmouth and the Wye Valley, returning to Abergavenny and completing several laps of the town.

Bill Owen, organiser of the event, said he only expected 50 per cent of the cyclists to finish.

Shane Sutton OBE said: "This track is made for the Welsh. It's very technical and cyclists will need to take risks to win. You'll need to have a lot of power and endurance for this course."

With regards to Monmouthshire, Mr Sutton added: "The county has beautiful roads and is probably one of the safest places to ride your bike.

"Monmouthshire is leading the way for cycling."

To register for the Championship Sportive visit: http://www.nationalroadchamps.co.uk">www.nationalroadchamps.co.uk