MONMOUTH’s MP has said “on your bike” to Velothon organisers after he claims to have been given factually incorrect information when he called their helpline.

MP David Davies said he called Velothon Wales yesterday only to be “incorrectly” told that organisers had met MPs and held public meetings in the run up to Sunday’s controversial event.

He said: “I phoned up to ask what they could do for residents and businesses and was told that everyone had been told of road closures all along.

“She [the telephone call handler] also said they spoke to all the MPs in April so I said ‘no you didn’t, I’m an MP and you haven’t spoken to me.’

“She said there was public meetings and a consultation, that’s not anything like what’s happened.

“They’re an absolute disgrace.”

The televised race starts and finishes in Cardiff and will see more than 15,000 professional and amateur cyclists take part.

It will close main roads in Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Monmouthshire between 7.30am and 5pm as the race passes.

Mr Davies said he had heard the organisers had been paid a “large sum of money” for organising the event.

More business owners have expressed their anger over all-day road closures for Sunday’s Velothon.

Richard Jones, owner of the Goytre Arms in Pontypool, said he will be staging a protest on Sunday as the amateur cyclists go past on the A4042.

He said: “We’ll be sat on the fence or hedge with placards – we’re not anti-cycling, this is directed at the organisers.

“It’s costing my business £2,000. We’re not doing Sunday lunches, I’ve got no bookings from my regulars.

“It’s just total disruption, it’s not just about business, it’s going to affect everyone locally.

“Why do they need to shut everything down from 8.30am when the cyclists aren’t going past for another three hours?

"Why don’t they just put a rolling road closure in? It’s too many people, they should have limited the numbers. I think with hindsight, the organisers are seeing that now.

“I fail to see the positives, perhaps I’m missing something.”

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We recognise concerns that local businesses and people may have and we continue to work with the event organisers, police and local authorities to minimise disruption and deliver a safe and enjoyable event.

"However, the Welsh Government is not the event owner or organiser and is not in a position to offer compensation.

"As is usual with all major events supported by us, the continuation of any support depends on a post-event review, and consideration of whether pre-agreed targets have been met.”

Andrew Taylor, Event Director of Velothon Wales said: "There has been a long-term program of engagement with hundreds of businesses and thousands of residents to inform them about the event and the associated road closures. This has included a dedicated team and helpline who are doing their best to provide clear and full information to the people who need it, and of course have never intended to mislead anyone.

"The route for Velothon Wales was chosen in consultation with local authorities. We do understand that some of the road closures can cause disruption but unfortunately they are unavoidable and are part and parcel of a closed-road event of this scale. The event is due to attract up to 15,000 cyclists, of which around 5,000 are from Wales and include riders from around the world as well as tens of thousands of spectators and global television distribution. The reason for the mass appeal of the Velothon is that it is a closed road event and the volume of riders means that rolling road closures are impossible.

"Velothon Wales is a fantastic opportunity for Wales to showcase its iconic landmarks and stunning scenery with a direct impact estimated to be in excess of £2m to the Welsh economy. Velothon Wales is set to become one of the biggest dates in the UK sporting calendar and we are looking forward to delivering a truly unforgettable event that the people of Wales can be proud of."

You can see all the road closures and the route map for the Velothon here