DESPITE all the controversy about Velothon Wales in recent weeks and criticism of the organisers, there was huge support for the event as thousands of cyclist pedalled around Gwent yesterday.

People lined much of the route to cheer on friends and family, or just to enjoy the spectacle as the participants – most of whom were raising money for charity – passed them by.

Threatened protests and demonstrations about road closures and their effects failed to materialise as critics just stayed away, admitting the cyclists themselves were not to blame for any inconvenience.

That is except for one reckless – indeed, we believe, criminal – act which could have had dire consequences.

Tacks were strewn across a stretch of road near Caerleon, leading to tens of riders suffering punctures just ahead of a steep, winding downhill section of the route.

One rider who suffered a puncture later crashed off his bike and suffered a deep wound which required surgery to repair.

It is not clear if the puncture led directly to the crash, but only luck and the fact that trailing riders were forced by congestion on the road to slow down or stop ahead of the hill prevented far more injuries.

We hope the idiot or idiots responsible are caught and prosecuted for their irresponsibility. Whatever your views on the event, such actions cannot be condoned.