TWO of Welsh cycling's most prestigious mass participation rides have joined forces to make the 2011 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling the biggest event in the Principality.
The two event organisers, Bill Owen, founder of the Iron Mountain Sportif, and Nick Bourne, organiser of the Tour of the Black Mountains, have shaken hands to merge their events under the festival's banner.
The Iron Mountain Sportif has been the centrepiece of the festival since it was re-introduced to Monmouthshire six years ago, with riders from across the UK enjoying the beautiful countryside.
The Tour of the Black Mountains also attracts great numbers to Abergavenny each year, starting and finishing in Bailey Park.
Now riders can enjoy all or part of the legendary National Road Race Championships course, ridden by Tour de France stars Bradley Wiggins, David Millar, Mark Cavendish and Wales' own Geraint Thomas and Nicole Cooke in 2009.
And, with the addition of the Friday night Get Connected! Welsh Open Criterrium providing fast and furious races around the tight town centre roads from some of Britain's biggest stars, the festival is set to be thrilling.
Owen said: "It seemed obvious that we should combine the two Sportifs into one weekend which will re-enforce Abergavenny as Wales' cycling heart.
"We both use the same infrastructure of marshals, stewards, start and finish line, headquarters at Abergavenny Rugby Club, so we can share the costs of the events between us and have a tremendous weekend of cycling into the bargain."
Bourne added: "Combining these two superb routes on consecutive days adds a new dimension for serious sportive riders and for those looking for something a little less taxing there are routes suitable for novices and intermediate level riders."
The 2011 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling takes place between 8th and 11th July and further details can be found at abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk or touroftheblackmountains.com