TOP international cyclists christened Newport's new bridge over the River Usk as the streets of Gwent were transformed into an international cycle track at the weekend as the prestigious Tour of Britain arrived.

Setting off from the Newport Velodrome, nearly a hundred riders from as far away as Australia and the USA raced at often breakneck speeds through Cwmbran, Pontypool, Crumlin, Newbridge, Newport and Caerleon in pursuit of the coveted yellow jersey.

And hundreds of Gwent sports enthusiasts, young and old, turned out along the 105-mile route to cheer on the riders, while many more greeted them at the finish line at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Despite tough competition Gwent riders Julian Winn and Jamie Norfolk, fresh from the Olympic Games in Athens, put on a tremendous show for the home crowds.

Although Winn failed to finish the course, Norfolk came in at 40th.

In the end Colombian Mauricio Ardila took the top spot, completing the course in a staggering three hours and 32 minutes. He has now effectively sealed overall victory in the event.

The race around Gwent was the fourth in five stages of the Tour which, returning after a five-year break, has been hailed as the UK's answer to the Tour de France.

Previous stages were held in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire, and the final stage will be held in London on Saturday.

It had been feared the event would cause road traffic chaos, but Inspector Mark Riley, of Gwent Police, said: "Although there have been some delays, the event passed off without any serious disruption to the county's roads."

It is now hoped Gwent's inclusion in the event will help secure the county's status as a centre for international cycling.

Welsh Cycling Union chairman Bill Owen, from Abergavenny, said: "Newport is fast becoming a cycling city and Gwent a cycling county."