THE TUMBLE provided a beautiful setting for Velothon Wales' toughest part of the race earlier today.

Thousands of cyclists made the gruelling climb to the mountain's 512-metre summit on the Torfaen/Monmouthshire border, dubbed as the most challenging section of the day, on a windswept yet largely sunny day.

The first riders arrived shortly after 10am with plenty taking advantage of the feed station at the top, near Keepers Pond. A steep descent awaited the riders then as they made their way down to the world heritage town of Blaenavon, where dozens of residents had lined the streets to greet the cyclists.

Professional riders were asked to complete the Tumble leg twice as part of their race, which left Cardiff at around 12.40pm.

Among those looking on at the top of the Tumble was Irishman Ned Dunbar, who had travelled from London to see his grandson Eddie Dunbar, last year's Tour of Wales winner, take part.

The 19-year-old is enjoying his first year as a professional, and his grandfather said: "I had to come because he's won here before and it's a tough road."

Mandy Evison, 42, travelled with her seven-year-old daughter Seren from Abergavenny. She said: "We had to park down on a residential street in Blaenavon and walk up. I can't complain too much.

"It's nice to see people cheering the bikers on. There's so many of them, young and old. The setting at the top of the Tumble is just beautiful."

John Vernon, aged 51, of Llanhilleth, said: "I've seen plenty of people scattered across the route showing their support. It's a huge event.

"Obviously a lot of people are annoyed with the street closures - myself included because I thought they could have given out more information to the public - but we've just got to embrace it while it's here."

Stewards had to be briefed by organisers in Cardiff at 10pm on Saturday, with mini buses taking them to their allocated areas, and many working through the night without sleep until the race was over.

One steward said there had been no major opposition to their work, apart from a landowner who was unhappy with some spectators parking near the Tumble's top.