MORE than 30 riders taking part in the Velothon through Caerleon suffered punctures after tacks were thrown across the road.

Riders said it was "disgusting" that a small minority had ruined it for those taking part in the race.

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."

Derek Goode, who was taking part in the Velothon with his friend Aled Jones, said he was disappointed that tacks had been thrown across the road where more than 15,000 cyclists were set to ride across.

"There were around 30 guys that had punctures after tacs were thrown across the road at the top of the hill coming into Caerleon," he said.

"We've raised more than £800 for charity by getting up on a Sunday morning and someone goes and does that.

"It's disgusting and I don't see the point.

"They're just ruining it for the rest of us."

Dererk and his friend Aled, who were supported by their family along the route, were taking part in the 140km race in aid of Leukemia and Lymphoma Research.

Another cyclist, who was repairing his own puncture on the side of the road, said there had been "loads" of riders suffering from punctures.

After our reporter Chris Seal reported the punctures Argus readers vented their disappointment on twitter.

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."

Argus editor Kevin Ward added: "No matter your views on the Velothon, if you're responsible for throwing tacks on the route then you're an idiot."

Dozens of readers have also shared their views on the South Wales Argus Facebook page.

Donna Shewan said on the South Wales Argus Facebook page: "It's awful. It's one event promoting sport and fitness for charity. These cyclists will have trained hard and travelled far. It makes Newport look disgusting. "As for the cyclists; their lives were put at risk. "What is wrong with people? "Hope the culprits are caught!"

Linda Sim added: "Words cannot express how disgusted I am about this. Did the vandals even think what injuries this could have caused the cyclist if anyone had fallen off because of getting a puncture? We are all free to use public highways whether it be in a car or on a bike. Whoever did this should get out more, see the benefits of exercise, enjoy the beautiful countryside in that area and they may be surprised how wonderful it is."

Gemma Horseman said: "Absolutely disgusted that people would do this, many of the cyclists are raising money for charity. One day of disruption does not warrant this shameful behaviour."

Ian Parker-Joseph said on Facebook: "Yes it is a stupid stunt, yes it is shameful, yes it is dangerous... but unfortunately this is what you get when road closures and events are forced upon the taxpayers without consultation. Many many people have had their day disrupted by this event, many will have lost income for which they have had no recourse, many families will have had to reschedule family events, birthdays, parties or simple family meals together. The planners and local authorities believe they can impose these events with impunity, but it appears there are some out there that think otherwise.

What do you think about tacks being thrown across the road?

Have you got any pictures of the tacks?

If you were affected by tacks on the road email us at newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk