TWO of Wales’ most prestigious cycling events have joined forces to make the 2011 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling the biggest event in the county.

Organisers, Bill Owen, founder of the Iron Mountain Sportif, and Nick Bourne, organiser of the Tour of the Black Mountains, have shaken hands to merge their events under the Festival's banner.

The Iron Mountain Sportif has been the centrepiece of the Festival since it was re-introduced to Monmouthshire six years ago.

The joint venture is also likely to be a huge boost for the Abergavenny economy, with hotels and restaurants booked out in advance.

Mr Owen said: "It seemed obvious that we should combine the two Sportifs into one weekend which will re-enforced Abergavenny as Wales' cycling heart."

"We both use the same infrastructure of marshals, stewards, start and finish line, headquarters at Abergavenny Rugby Club on Bailey Park, so we can share the costs of the events between us and have a tremendous weekend of cycling into the bargain."

The 2011 Abergavenny Festival of Cycling takes place between July 8-11.