Organisers of Vélo Birmingham & Midlands – the flagship event of the Birmingham Cycle Revolution – have today released full details of their 2020 routes and re-opened entries to the general public.
With both routes officially finalised, a limited number of general entries into the previously sold-out 100 mile route have been released along with entries into the ‘point-to-point’ 45 mile route from Birmingham to Coventry.
In addition to general entries, prospective riders can also ride for one of the event’s official charities – Alzheimer’s Society, Stroke Association, NSPCC & Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity. Charity entries are available for as little as £20, with minimum fundraising targets. Riders at this year’s event are once again expected to raise well over a million pounds for a range of local and national charities.
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Firmly established as the UK’s second biggest cycling event, Vélo Birmingham & Midlands will take up to 18,000 riders of all abilities on an unforgettable 100 or 45-mile journey through the West Midlands on Sunday June 21, 2020.
Both routes remain largely unchanged from the hugely successful 2019 edition which saw tens of thousands of locals lining the route in support of the riders. Organisers have made some small changes to improve the rider experience and minimise the impact of road closures on local communities.
With a new start and finish in the heart of Birmingham city centre near Centenary Square, the 100-mile route will once again pass through the heart of Coventry where riders will cycle over the cobbles of Pepper Lane, while the 45 mile riders will cross the finish line by Coventry Cathedral. Vélo Birmingham & Midlands is the only cycling event in the world that takes in two city centres as part of its route.
What a year 2019 was! We’re ready to do it all over again in 2020 – who’s joining us? pic.twitter.com/ESsuSWAp3n
— Vélo Birmingham & Midlands (@VeloBirmingham) December 30, 2019
In between these two city centre adventures, the route will traverse through Warwickshire towns and villages such as Hurley and Fillongley, along with Solihull villages; Balsall Common, Berkswell and Cheswick Green, among others.
The stunning National Trust estate of Packwood House is another route highlight, while in Birmingham the Georgian streets of Edgbaston, and picturesque Bartley Green Reservoir also feature on the new route.
It’s expected local residents will once again 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. Organisers are advising road users to plan ahead for the event by looking at the detailed road closure maps and information on the event website. Any residents with specific access questions are encouraged to email [email protected] or call the event answering machine service on 0121 396 1296.
The route has been agreed in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Warwickshire County Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council as well as Emergency Services and transport operators to minimise the impact of the necessary road closures.