CHEPSTOW roads could be used by cyclists competing in a national televised cycling event next year.

The Welsh Open Criterium Cycling Event will take place on Wednesday 30th July 2014 at Abergavenny, but according to a report published by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), roads in Chepstow could also feature in the National Cycling Championships held in Monmouthshire in June.

The report, published by head of leisure services, Ian Saunders, said: "Cycling has become a priority sport for Monmouthshire both in terms of developing infrastructure, getting more people to cycle and also delivering some major events.

"The event is the televised series finale to a national six race series, for elite riders and all home based professional riders. It is open to the top English and foreign riders if they wish to enter and comes just after the finish of the Tour of France, which next year is starting in York.

"The council is also delivering the National Championship in June 2014 which will start and finish in Abergavenny and could well touch the roads around Chepstow although exact routes are still in discussion with the technical team at British Cycling.

"The Welsh Open event is usually integrated into the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling and it is the organiser of that festival, Bill Owen, who will help deliver the event in Chepstow.

"It is hoped that Chepstow can embrace an event of this nature and work with local clubs to help ensure the event gets the necessary support and backing."

At the Lower Wye committee on Wednesday (30th October) the report was met with positivity from councillors.

There were some issues raised, however, in terms of the use of the roads on a work day and lack of potential parking.

At the MCC cabinet meeting last Wednesday (6th November), cabinet discussed cycling in Monmouthshire.

Debuty leader Bob Greenland said: "The cycling event is all about promoting Monmouthshire through sport and pasttime and will benefit the county for years to come.

"We want to become the cycling capital of Wales, and it is now the turn of Cabinet to endorse the event.

"The event will herald Monmouthshire as being the cycling capital of Wales and be of huge economic benefit to us."