City saddles up for 100-mile ride 15,000 cyclists to join first event of its kind in bid to raise more than £1m
BIRMINGHAM is saddling up for the biggest cycling event of its kind later this year when 15,000 riders embark on a 100-mile ride.
The Vélo Birmingham on Sunday, September 24, will start in Broad Street before cyclists head out through Sandwell, Dudley and Staffordshire to Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
They will then head back to the Barclaycard Arena (NIA) – Vélo Birmingham’s official finish venue – to celebrate their achievement.
Deputy leader of Birmingham City Council Ian Ward welcomed the event.
He said: “Birmingham has a proud history of hosting a wide range of national and international sporting events, so we are extremely excited about welcoming 15,000 cyclists from far and wide to our magnificent city in September.”
The route has been agreed in partnership with Birmingham City Council and other local authorities as well as emergency services and transport operators to minimise inconvenience.
Jon Ridgeon, executive chairman of organisers CSM Active, said: “This route has been a long time in planning.
“We believe it shows off the very best of Birmingham Midlands.”
Cllr Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for leisure, added: “This promises to be a very exciting event for the Midlands and we look forward to giving a big Sandwell welcome to everyone taking part.”
Organisers will be posting out a detailed information letter to all homes along the route in the next few and the West weeks as some road closures.
General entries for the event were filled up within just four days of going on sale, but cyclists can still enter via one of Vélo Birmingham’s official charity partners: Alzheimer’s Society, Cure Leukaemia, NSPCC and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
It is anticipated that participants will raise more than £1 million for a range of different charities. will be affected by
In addition to the charity entries, prospective riders can also secure a place on the start line via the Business 100 entry option – and be in with a chance of riding alongside Rugby World Cup-winning former England captain Martin Johnson.
Supported by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the Birmingham Post, the Vélo Birmingham Business 100 provides the business community with a unique opportunity to experience an unrivalled VIP participation experience with extensive networking opportunities. Only a limited number of Business 100 teams are left, so companies are encouraged to visit the website at www.velobirmingham. com/the-ride/business-100/
There are also volunteering opportunities on the day. To register, go to www.velobirmingham.com/info/volunteers/