New 42-mile route added to Velo event

The organisers of the 100-mile Velo Birmingham and Midlands cycle ride have added a second, new, 42-mile route for up to 3,000 cyclists.

Riders will set off from Birmingham and finish at Coventry Cathedral on May 12.

The new, shorter route forms part of Vélo Birmingham & Midlands’ efforts to become one of Europe’s biggest and most inclusive cycling events and aims to attract a wider audience alongside the popular 100 mile event.

With 3,000 general entries up for grabs, organisers are anticipating huge demand for tickets.

Meanwhile, organisers have teamed up with Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) to create a ‘Business 42’ entry option. It will provide Midlands’ businesses with the opportunity to enter teams of four into the 42 mile event.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, deputy leader, Coventry City Council, said: “Putting on an extra event from Birmingham to Coventry is a real bonus, and a great opportunity for people who may find the 100 mile route a little daunting.

He added: “Coventry has a lot to boast about and having a major cycling event happening in the city is fantastic. The city’s Cathedral is a great backdrop for both cyclists travelling through the city, and now, for those entrants to the 42mile event, it offers a fabulous finishing landmark.

“In our year of health and wellbeing in Coventry and Warwickshire and as European City of Sport it will be a great attraction to riders and spectators. I think that the 42mile stretch will appeal to cyclists who may feel that a shorter distance is more manageable.”

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is great news for anyone who wanted to take part in the main event but may have been unsure about cycling 100 miles. This 42-mile route will offer cyclists of all ages and abilities a rare opportunity to cycle on closed roads from Birmingham to Coventry, taking in some picturesque scenery along the way.”

“Events such as this are hugely important, not just in terms of economic benefits to the region and the charity fund-raising by those taking part, but also because of the legacy it creates by inspiring people of all ages and abilities to take up cycling, whether for competitive sport, recreation or as a more environmentally friendly way to travel around our city.”