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0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Velothon Wales, - a unique cycling festival...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- ..where the less serious cyclists - meet the professionals.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- Two days of excitement - on traffic-free roads...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..in this gorgeous corner - of south-east Wales.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- The cyclists get to enjoy stunning - views of iconic Welsh locations...
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- ..and climbs - to challenge the fittest.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- It all starts and finishes - on the streets of our capital city.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22- Cardiff has welcomed the Velothon - for several years.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- The city has joined Berlin, Hamburg, - Edmonton and Stockholm...
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- ..as a permanent home - to the Velothon series.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- It brings cyclists of all ages - and abilities together...
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- ..to celebrate the bike.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- This suits the image of a city - that is proud of its status...
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- ..as one of the best sporting cities - in the world.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- A few months ago, - Mo Farah raced along these streets.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55- Now, it's the turn of lycra-clad - bodies and expensive bikes...
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- ..as Cardiff stages Velothon Wales.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- The casual riders face 140km.
0:02:11 > 0:02:17- The professionals face 178km, - climbing almost 3,000 metres.
0:02:17 > 0:02:23- The race starts in Cardiff and - crosses the Gwent Levels to Newport.
0:02:24 > 0:02:30- It then turns north, following - the river Usk almost to Abergavenny.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- The professional cyclists make two - circuits of the dreaded Tumble...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..before descending to Blaenavon - and heading to Caerphilly...
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- ..through Newbridge, - Ystrad Mynach and Llanbradach.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51- The professionals then face two - circuits of Caerphilly Mountain.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- There's no time to draw breath - before a steep descent...
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- ..to the finish in Cardiff.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- More than 14,000 keen cyclists - ready for the challenge.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- Among them, a few familiar faces.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- I've done events - in Wales, London and abroad.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- Socially, it's brilliant - for making new friends.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- It's kind of replaced rugby as my - outlet for aggression, let's say.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28- I was blown away by - the enormity of the event last year.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- It's great to have everyone there - cheering and giving you the buzz.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- Not many events can be - closed like this for cyclists.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- Three, two, one.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03- It's a sea of smiles...
0:04:03 > 0:04:09- ..as they set off at seven - in the morning from Cardiff.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- A few nervous smiles perhaps.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- All shapes, colours and sizes.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19- See you in a few hours.
0:04:22 > 0:04:28- What will they look like when they - get back here in five to six hours?
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- Round the magic roundabout - and out towards Newport.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Brilliant. Perfect. - Loving every minute of it.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40- The atmosphere? Electric.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- The big draw is riding these roads - cleared of traffic.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- There are fantastic rural views - to take in.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- Lovely sunshine.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- How much is the former - Welsh flanker looking forward?
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- Great to see so many supporters.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- Which bit are you - most looking forward to?
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Caerphilly Mountain. - Always a good tester.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- There's quite a way to go - before then.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- He's the big cheese, but he's got - some riding to do before Caerphilly.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- The route takes in - some of Wales' iconic sights.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- The Newport Transporter Bridge - is familiar.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- People of all shapes and sizes - are allowed into the Velothon.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- At least fifty people - told me she's not pedalling!
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- It's true! - I wish they hadn't told him!
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- There's plenty of support.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- They follow the lazy meanders - of the Usk into the countryside.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- Thousands are enjoying the thrill - of traffic-free highways.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- There's plenty of support in Usk.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Off they go towards Abergavenny...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- ..before circling back towards - the famous climb of the Tumble.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30- I raise my eyes towards the mountain - while I still have water.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- What awaits them - is a gruelling 5km climb...
0:06:34 > 0:06:39- ..that has featured - in many Tours of Britain.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- Here are the stats. - It's a five kilometre climb.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- The climb averages out at - an 8% gradient with a high of 15%.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- A 400 metre beast of a section.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- The professionals will complete it - in just under 15 minutes.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- I doubt it very much...
0:07:03 > 0:07:08- ..if many of these - will complete it in 15 minutes.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- This is painful, really painful.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- A lift would be good now.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- He, by the way, has a 32...
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- How to get on the telly!
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- You're not wrong!
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- Every cyclist - is reassured by the old cliche...
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- ..of what goes up must come down.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- After sweating - your way up the Tumble...
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- ..the thrill of accelerating - down the other side is so sweet.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- Past the Big Pit - and into the industrial valleys...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- ..through Blaenavon, where - there are remnants of a lost age.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- Then the sprint for Caerphilly.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- Caerphilly Mountain - is the second big climb of the day.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- It's shorter than the Tumble - but steeper.
0:08:09 > 0:08:15- It's 1.2kms - but climbs rapidly to 131 metres.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- Up and over Caerphilly Mountain - and the hard yards have been done...
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- ..leaving the streak back to Cardiff - and the finishing line.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- The ecstasy after the torture - is evident on all the faces.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Coming off Caerphilly Mountain - is superb with the roads closed.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- It's lovely coming back - on the wrong side of the road.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Camaraderie with a common interest.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Riding on closed roads is fantastic.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- A combination of great scenery and - good organisation make a good ride.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- The scenery was gorgeous. - We got a chance to look up.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- The people were really good.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- We have mountains. The Tumble and - Caerphilly Mountain were excellent.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- Cardiff is a lovely place.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- People have come from all over. - Wales is a good place to cycle.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- A short break now before the - professional cyclists take over.
0:09:39 > 0:09:39- .
0:09:41 > 0:09:41- Subtitles
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:50 > 0:09:51- Welcome back to the Velothon.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- The big race - is about to get under way...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- ..with everyone keen - to make an impression.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- Eighteen teams from Britain - and all over Europe.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- Some teams are semi-professional, - others are professional.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- It's a chance to warm up before - the cyclists get started in earnest.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- It's getting warmer.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- It's 1.00pm and the crowds - are out to cheer on the riders.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- There are some Welsh riders here.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- The hopes of Madison Genesis and - their rider Gruff Lewis are high.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- I hope my legs - are in working order.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- The team is riding well - at the moment.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- I hope one of our riders - can do well.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- It's amazing - to have such a big race...
0:10:51 > 0:10:52- ..in my home country.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Gruff has enjoyed success recently.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- He was second at - the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05- He'll be joining me again at the - microphone for the Tour de France...
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- ..but his task today is to support - riders including Tom Stewart...
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- ..winner of - the Lincoln Grand Prix last week.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- Stewart is the leader - of Madison Genesis.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- It's time to roll up the sleeves - and work up a sweat.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- A lot can happen in a bike race.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- There are a lot of things - you can't control.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- We'll take it as it comes - and see how the race unfolds.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Our Tour Series team - is here...
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- ..the guys - that have been riding the crits.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- We'll see how we feel - after 50k and go from there.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- We've got a strong team. We'll be - looking to animate near the finish.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- They haven't had to wait long - before somebody made a move.
0:11:49 > 0:11:55- Tobyn Horton from Team Madison - Genesis bridges to the leaders.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- That's good news for Stewart.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- The Transporter Bridge - is in the background.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- This give you an idea - of the speed of these cyclists.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- As we move up the Wye Valley, we can - see black clouds in the distance.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- Tom Stewart - is already losing ground.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- He's 15 seconds down on - the leading group of eight riders.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- The peloton is even further back.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25- Stewart is doing his best.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- It's difficult - when you're in no-man's-land.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30- He's on the radio.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- Perhaps he's telling Tobyn Horton to - hold back so that he can catch up.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- Usk - 55km in the sunshine - this afternoon.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- The streets of Usk are narrow. - The riders need to take care here.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- There are nine - in this leading group...
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- ..so Stewart has managed - to bridge over to them.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- That was a great effort by Stewart.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- It's only a week - since he won the Lincoln Grand Prix.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- Team Raleigh are at the front - but they're in no hurry...
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- ..because they have a rider - in the leading group.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Gruff Lewis is there - with Team Madison Genesis.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- Usk Prison is on the right.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- I wonder if someone - will break out of the peloton.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- If you have a man in the break, - you don't have to work so hard.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- It's up to other teams to respond.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- That explains - the early aggressive riding.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- I wonder if someone - will attack here on the Tumble.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- This is the peloton...
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- ..but the breakaway is up the road.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- The Tumble - - the first test for the riders.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- They'll start to feel - their leg muscles pulling.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- Rory Townsend is giving it a go - at the front...
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- ..but in the lead is Adria Moreno, - the leader of Team Raleigh.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- There are eight riders - in this second group.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- Townsend is from Team Pedal Heaven - - Gruff Lewis' team last season.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- Like many of the young riders, he'll - want to create an impression here.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Reaching the top of the Tumble...
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- ..is the experienced Spaniard, - Moreno.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- He takes a sip of water - after all that effort.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Will these riders work together?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Rory Townsend moves back.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- The good news for Madison Genesis...
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- ..is they have two riders - in this group.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- They can work together, while - Tobyn Horton works for Tom Stewart.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- The gap is 1 minute 15 seconds...
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- ..as Adria Moreno discovers just how - narrow the streets are in Blaenavon.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- The eight riders in the group - are chasing hard.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Here they come in a long line.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- The road is a bit slippery - under the wheels.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Moreno knows he can't ride - the entire race out in front.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- He's slowed down - to let the other riders catch up.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Rory Townsend is having something to - eat, to keep up his energy levels.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- The rider from the Parkhotel - Valkenburg team is Jochem Hoekstra.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- He has won the Tour de Berlin.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- Tom Stewart is looking comfortable.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Dale Appleby is in the centre of - your screen in the black and pink.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- He's a former Welsh Road Race - champion. He's from Pontypridd.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- They're working well together.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Bialoblocki from Poland - is a time trial specialist.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- He's showing his strength here.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- They're back for a second lap - on the Tumble.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- They're 108km into the race.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- If time trialling - is your strength...
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- ..it can be a real boon - on a day like this.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- Tom Stewart is looking strong - but Tobyn Horton is suffering.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- His work is over for the day.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- He's a criterium rider - - town centre racing.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- That's where - he earns his bread and butter.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- Now the going gets tough - as we near the end of the race...
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- ..and they approach the top - of the Tumble for the second time.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- The leading group is down to six. - Dale Appleby has lost ground.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- The peloton has woken up.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- There are three or four riders - working hard at the front...
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- ..mainly from - Team Stolting Service Group.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- The Tumble, - the summit at 500 metres.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Down the other side - towards Blaenavon.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- If you think that climbing - is difficult, believe me...
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- ..you need heart and bravery - to go down the other side.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- There are eight cyclists down - the road. Here comes the peloton.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- They have a lot of work still to do - to reel in the breakaway.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- Adria Moreno - isn't happy at the front.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- It's obvious that everyone - isn't pulling their weight.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31- The rain is falling and again - he's telling them to make an effort.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- The rain has gone...
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- ..as the race reaches Caerphilly - for the first time.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- There are two circuits - of the mountain to come.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Here are the two - who've broken clear.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- Jochem Hoekstra and Kamil Gradek - have a lead of 15 seconds.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- JLT Condor - are now at the front of the peloton.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- They're driving the peloton forward.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- They know that if they don't - make a move now, their race is over.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- If you build castles, - you must lay down foundations.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Here is the place to lay the - foundations of a possible victory.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Is anybody going to go for it?
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Tom Stewart is about to pass - Lasse Norman Hansen.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- He's looking comfortable - and out of the saddle.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- Here he is, getting closer - to Hoekstra and Gradek.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- They're battling but look how - smoothly Tom Stewart is moving.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- He shows his experience - as a former mountain biker.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47- He gives the other two a glance and - asks them how much they've got left.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- On the descent, - it's the second group.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- They're trying to close that gap.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- They pass the castle. - Appleby is back in touch.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- Up the road, on the second circuit, - Jochem Hoekstra is working hard.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- Tom Stewart is now working harder - on Caerphilly Mountain.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- This is a steep climb - and just over a kilometre long.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- Is this the move? - The gradient is 10%.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- Stewart and Hoekstra make it - look easy. Gradek has lost ground.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- This group are still chasing. - Gradek is within sight.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- The two front-runners - are up the road.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- Tom Stewart has just opened a gap - of seven seconds on Jochem Hoekstra.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- He's looking for the gears. He knows - there are sprinters behind him.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Is this the move - that brings the victory?
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- We have a lone leader on the attack. - He's by himself. 101.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Tom Stewart on his own - coming into the Cardiff suburbs.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Through Lisvane. - We have eight kilometres to go.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- Has he gone too early? - Has he left it too late?
0:20:05 > 0:20:11- Those questions will be in his mind - as the second groups work hard...
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- ..to chase down Tom Stewart.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- He takes a glance over his shoulder - as he nears Roath Park.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- He is 12 seconds ahead. - He uses every inch of the road.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- He looks for some shade - and for every half-second advantage.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- The chasers are coming, - they're breathing down his neck.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- We're getting close to the finish - of this notable race.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- The flamme rouge - shows one kilometre to go.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- Stewart, looking for his second win - in a week, is five seconds ahead.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- He's out of the saddle again.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- The gap is down to three seconds.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Can Stewart do it?
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- He'll reach - that red tarmac any second.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- He'll know that the finishing line - will be in his reach.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Here he comes, - just over 300 metres to go.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- Look how close the peloton is.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Can he hold on? - He's used up every ounce of energy.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- He's emptied the tank - but will it be enough?
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- Will he get caught on the line?
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- Rasmus Guldhammer. - Ian Bibby is there too.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- Tom Stewart glances over - his shoulder and that's it.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- Over the line. - Perfect timing by Tom Stewart.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- He wins his second race in a week. - He punches the air in victory.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Tom Stewart is totally exhausted.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Ian Bibby - is the first to congratulate him.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- I'm just chuffed - for everyone involved in the team.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- Brilliant race, really hard. - I feel like I took the race on.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- I was coming in - with three kilometres to go.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- I'm like, don't get home tonight - and regret anything.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- Go as deep as you can. Keep going - deeper and deeper and deeper.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- I didn't want to get home and think - I could've gone a bit harder.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- So close on the line. - What a relief!
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- A relief indeed. - Look how close it was in the end.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- The first four got the same time. - Tom Stewart won for Madison Genesis.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Rasmus Guldhammer was second. - Ian Bibby finished third.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- In ninth was Dale Appleby...
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- ..the former Welsh champion - from Pontypridd.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- A shower of champagne - to greet the winners.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- But on a sunny day - in the capital...
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- ..Cardiff was also the winner.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:14 > 0:23:14- .