Gwent pro riders back Velothon Wales to get bigger and bigger

The pair both competed in the 174km race that began and ended in Cardiff and took in large parts of Gwent and Monmouthshire along the way.

And, despite protests affecting the amateur sportive, the local pros were delighted with the chance to ride on roads so close to home.

“It was awesome to have a proper big-time race in Wales,” said Newport’s Mould, who helped his One Pro Cycling teammate Marcin Bialoblocki to finish fifth.

“We were literally racing on every road I knew. Coming through Caerleon we went past the café I usually go to and it was a great experience.

“Racing on closed roads was great. We’re normally on the left so it was nice to see the right-hand side for a change.

“And there were a lot of people enjoying the race with gazebos and barbecues at the top of the Tumble. Hopefully it carries on now.

“I think the majority of people loved it,” he added. “We came through all the little towns and there people sat outside their houses in deckchairs with a beer in hand to watch the race go by.

“It’s just one day a year and I think people understand what it’s about and I’d love it to become a regular race.”

Risca rider Harrison was working to put his NFTO Pro Cycling teammates in position to challenge before dropping out with Mould around 60km from the finish line.

And he too enjoyed the experience of competing in his own backyard.

“Everyone seemed happy and they were cheering us all the way – there was a lot of support out,” he said.

“I’m just glad nobody spoiled it. I was a bit worried after hearing about the tacks in the sportive because I knew which road they were on.

“But through Caerleon and places like that people were out enjoying it and overall it was very positive.

“Hopefully it carries on and gets bigger and bigger and they move it around a bit next year and people like Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe can take part as well.”