The inaugural Velothon Wales is taking place today in Cardiff with 15,000 riders having signed on to take part. Unfortunately numerous cyclists suffered punctures after tacks had been thrown across the road.

Velothon Wales event director Andy Taylor confirmed that tacks were thrown across the road and said they were cleared away “within minutes”. “We can confirm that a small amount of tacks were discovered at around 9.30am on isolated sections of the route at Belmont Road in Caerleon and 10.02am at High Street/New Road in Caerphilly. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries were caused and the affected areas were cleared within a few minutes.”

Prior to the event taking place, some locals were up in arms about road closures on the day with some road signs being vandalised in protest. A number of business owners also felt that they were going to be affected by the lack of access to their businesses on the day.

After the incidents of punctures arising from the tacks took place, a number of those taking part in the event took to Twitter to vent their frustration.

Steve Griffiths ((@postie802) said: “That is massively disappointing and reflects badly on us as a country. Everybody has a right to enjoy the road.”

John Pope (@johnpopeUK) said it was “shocking” and @ncrphotography said: “Unbelievable! Pathetic people want to grow up!”

@NewportPositive said: “This will affect motorists too once roads open – they are morons.”

THe cyclosportive has 140km and 50km options, whilst there will also be a professional run in conjunction with the sportive. The pros will face a 194km route which takes in Caerphilly mountain and The Tumble in Abergavenny.

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