BESPOKE cycling jerseys for the first Tour de Gwent have been unveiled by the event's sponsors.

Riders of the tour will start at Rougemont School, Newport and cover a circular route, taking in places such as Usk, Chepstow, Tintern and Monmouth, before returning back to the starting point on Sunday 29th March.

The event has a number of different routes with the most difficult being a 74 mile challenge. It is being held in aid of St David's Hospice and already has more than 350 riders signed up to take part.

Rhys Morton, managing director of event sponsor Whitehead Building Services, said: "This exciting challenge through some of the most wonderful countryside in Wales appears to have really caught people's imagination."

A keen cyclist and sports fan, Rhys also said he is looking forward to lining up alongside the likes of former Welsh rugby players Rhys Williams and Alix Popham.

Organiser Franka Nigro, of St David's Hospice Care, said: "We're thrilled to have been able to attract such wonderful support from Whitehead Building Supplies and the other local businesses.

"With such great backing and so many people taking part it looks as if it will be a marvelous event."

Each entrant gets the exclusive event cycling jersey, along with maps and water. There are water and feeding stations throughout the route manned by volunteers.

To sign up for one of the three routes available – 24, 36 or 74 miles – visit http://www.stdavidshospicecare.org">www.stdavidshospicecare.org and search for Tour de Gwent on the events page. Entrance costs £45 per rider with funds raised from the event going to St David's Hospice Care.