Britain's best cyclists will take to the streets of Monmouthshire this weekend for the British Cycling National Road Championships. Riders including Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, Lizzie Armitstead, Laura Trott and Wales' own Geraint Thomas will be in action on Sunday (29th June). The route passes through Monmouth and will mean a number of road closures – Priory Street, Castle Hill, St John's Street, Monnow Street, Monnow Bridge and St Thomas' Square will all be closed from 9.45am to 10.30am and from 2.15pm to 3pm. On Saturday (28th June), amateur, leisure and club riders will be able to take the same route as the pros in the Champion Sportive. There are four different courses all starting from Bailey Park in Abergavenny, which will also host the Bike Bash from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Course difficulties range from a leisure route suitable for beginners to a high octane route which takes in the infamous Tumble Mountain. For the first time ever, the Championship Sportive includes a women's only course. Free family fun is on offer at the Bike Bash at Bailey Park, which will showcase the best bike brands, big screens showing the action, the best in the county's fabulous food, fun fair rides and children's entertainment. Bridges Community Centre in Monmouth will be a great place for Monmothians to cheer on the cyclists on Saturday as it is one of four 'feed stations' where riders will be able to rest, fill their drinks bottles and see a bike mechanic should any equipment issues arise. Cyclists are likely to be passing through Monmouth between 10am and 2.30pm. Fred Weston, a project worker for 'Building Bridges' will be cycling the silver route to raise money for Bridges. "I have chosen to cycle for Bridges due to the excellent work they do supporting local communities and charities throughout Monmouthshire," said Fred. "Bridges Community Centre is the hub of the Monmouth community and provides opportunities for many people experiencing social isolation as well as supporting local community groups and the arts. "Without donations like the money I am raising, Bridges Community Centre would not be able to reach out to the thousands of people it supports." Visit Fred's Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/bridges-communitycentre">www.justgiving.com/bridges-communitycentre • Gold, silver and bronze medals for the different routes have been produced by event sponsors Northern Automotive Systems. Each of the 2,489 medals has a retail value of £4,000 but the company's vice president Geoff Hancock said the opportunity to congratulate entrants with a memento of value was worth "every penny". "The Championship Sportive is a major event for amateur cyclists from across the UK and from further afield, many of whom will be travelling great distances to take part," he said. "As such, we felt that each rider should receive something of value – a cherished keepsake to remind them of the race and of the county."
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