AM's keen to leap into the saddle

The Argus-sponsored 2003 British Road Race Championship begins at 11am on Sunday at the Celtic Manor, and runs along the A48 to Caerwent, then north almost to Usk, before returning south to finish with fast circuits around the Celtic Manor Hotel.

And members of the public can cycle the same route in a charity ride for the British Heart Foundation preceding Saturday's race.

We have already reported how the Assembly's youngest member, Laura Jones, AM for South-East Wales, will be cycling the eight-mile route. And now she'll be joined by John Griffiths, Labour AM for Newport East. Mr Griffiths, 46, said: "I'm quite a keen cyclist, anyway - I've got a mountain bike and I've always done a fair bit.

"When I spoke to the organisers they were very keen for prominent local people to support the race by taking part, so I agreed.

"It's obviously for a very good cause, and the race helps raise the profile of cycling in Newport.

"And there's a lot happening in cycling in the area with this race, the velodrome about to be finished and a far greater number of cycle lanes.

"It's the right time to promote cycling and to get people out there on bikes, improving their health and having a bit of fun.

"I'm going to stick to the modest eight-mile run, though I've done further - Barry and back is one of my favourite routes.

"I've been discussing the ride with Laura Jones and she challenged me to a race, but I didn't want to make it competitive - anyway, she's got a number of years on me." The Celtic Manor Charity Cycling Challenge is a sponsored ride for the British Heart Foundation, which is being supported by the Argus.

Riders have the choice of a simple eight-mile circuit, a 24-mile circuit, or combining the two for a 32-mile ride.

And on the Sunday the Celtic Manor will be opening their own off-road mountain bike trails, usually reserved for guests, for charity riders.