VELOTHON boss Andrew Taylor defended his staff today after an MP claimed he had been given misleading information about the race consultation.

Around 15,000 professional and amateur cyclists are set to take part in Sunday’s race causing road closures in Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Caerphilly.

Monmouth MP David Davies launched a stinging attack against the organisers claiming Velothon Wales had wrongly told him all local parliamentarians had been contacted about the event during a call to their helpline.

But today, Mr Taylor, the event director of Velothon Wales, said his dedicated team had done their best to give clear information and had "never intended to mislead anyone".

Meanwhile, it emerged the Welsh Government has pledged to spend up to £900,000 on the race over the next four years.

But a Government spokesman stressed this would depend on the success of the inaugural event.

Mr Taylor 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."

Last year, the Welsh minister for economy, science and transport and the First Minister agreed to grant funding of up to £900,000 over four years to Upsolut Sports UK Ltd towards the marketing, staging and TV coverage of Wales between 2015 and 2018.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “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.”

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