ONE of Europe’s biggest cycling events is returning to the region for a 100-mile route taking 17,000 riders through Coventry and Solihull.
Vélo Birmingham and Midlands will takeover the streets on Sunday, May 12 next year.
Starting and finishing in Birmingham city centre, the new route will also pass through the heart of Coventry – the 2019 European City of Sport and City of Culture 2021.
Riders will cycle on the cobbled roads of Pepper Lane and in the shadow of St Michael’s Tower at the ruins of Coventry Cathedral.
In between these two city centre adventures, riders will travel through rural Warwickshire towns and villages such as Coleshill, Hurley and Fillongley.
Then the route stretches to the scenic Solihull villages Meriden, Bentley Heath, Balsall Common and Knowle, among others.
Organisers say the stunning timber-framed Tudor manor house and gardens at the National Trust estate of Packwood House is another route highlight.
Residents are expected to line the streets and cheer on the cyclists in their thousands, as local pubs and community halls host street parties and barbecues on the big day.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “Vélo Birmingham and Midlands is a hugely important annual event in the lead up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and I am delighted that the route is set to showcase the very best of the region.
“It’s fantastic that there has been such huge demand for entries from riders from right across the UK and further afield as this will create an extremely positive economic impact for the region.”
Solihull Council cabinet member for leisure, tourism and sport, Councillor Joe Tildesley, said: “Solihull is delighted to be hosting a key section of next year’s Vélo Birmingham & Midlands route. This event is quickly establishing itself a key date in the cycling calendar and is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the borough.”
Deputy leader at Coventry City Council Abdul Khan said: “This will be a fantastic event for us as next year’s UK City of Sport as well as the rest of the region.”
Leader of Warwickshire County Council Izzi Seccombe said: “Warwickshire has, over recent years, established itself as a fabulous location for cycling. The Women’s Tour and, more recently, the Tour of Britain have received tremendous support from residents and generated considerable revenue for the local economy.”
Businesses and residents based on or near the route are advised to visit www.velobirmingham.com/the-route/road-closures to find out the road closure timings and how best to navigate around them.
Organisers have confirmed an additional allocation of entries will go on general sale in the new year to those on the waiting list.
Alternatively, riders can secure their place on the start line via one of Vélo Birmingham and Midlands’ official charities – Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity Birmingham, NSPCC, Cure Leukaemia and Alzheimer’s Society.
