GWENT should host one of the stages of next year's Tour de France if they are held in the UK, according to a Newport AM.

Three stages of next year's Tour are likely to be held in the UK, and Newport East AM John Griffiths, pictured, has written to the Assembly to ask for its support in bringing at least one of the stages to Gwent.

Newport successfully hosted the 2003 British Road Race Championship last month and is set to become the cycling capital of Wales when the new velodrome is completed in the autumn.

Mr Griffiths said: "There are firm proposals to bring three stages of the Tour to the UK, and I strongly believe one of them should come to Wales.

"We have the roads, mountains and scenery for an ideal event. There is rapidly-growing interest and enthusiasm for cycling with very exciting developments in Newport, for example. The recent British Road Race Championship in the city was a great success. The Velodrome is almost completed and will attract major indoor events.

"The local cycling club is experiencing a big increase in interest and activity.

"A route from Newport into Monmouthshire and up the Gwent valleys would be a testing and beautiful stage.

"Bringing such a high-profile and prestigious event to Wales would have many benefits and give a huge boost to cycling in Wales."

Assembly sports minister Alan Pugh said: "Cycling is an important element of Welsh sport, particularly due to the achievements of Nicole Cooke who has been and continues to be an outstanding success on the world circuit.

"The 1994 leg of the Tour de France that was held in England was a wonderful success and attracted a huge number of spectators.

"Wales is already enhancing its international reputation by playing host to major events such as the FA Cup, Wales Rally GB, the Rugby World Cup and the 2010 Ryder Cup to be held in Newport.

"The Tour de France in Wales is an exciting idea which I would be happy to consider in the future."