Businesses are being urged to join one of the most exciting sporting events to launch in the city.

More than 30,000 people have already preregistered to find out more about Vélo Birmingham in response to a teaser campaign about the race.

Full details are being revealed at its official launch at noon today (Thursday, 22 September) at the Cycle Show at the NEC.

As a Vélo Birmingham partner, the Birmingham Post can reveal that the 100 mile closed road cycle race – described as a marathon on wheels – will take place on Sunday 24 September 2017.

The 15,000 capacity event will take riders of all levels of ability on a remarkable route starting in Birmingham city centre and travelling through Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Sandwell and Dudley.

Vélo Birmingham route map for inaugural 100 mile bike ride event to take place in September 2017
Vélo Birmingham route map for inaugural 100 mile bike ride event to take place in September 2017

It is being backed by Double Olympic Gold medal winner Lord Sebastian Coe and Rugby World Cup victory captain Martin Johnson and organised by CSM Active and Birmingham City Council.

For corporate teams there is a designated entry option – Birmingham Business 100 – in which teams will have a chance for Martin Johnson to join their squad.

The aim is to get 100 business teams to race 100 miles to raise £100,000 for charity.

It is supported by the Birmingham Post and Great Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Vélo Birmingham teaser video below

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Entry is not yet open.

Priority will be given to those who have pre-registered by 5pm on Wednesday 28 September here

They will be able to book their place at 8am on Thursday, 29 September.

Prospective riders will also have the option to enter through one of Vélo Birmingham's Lead Charity Partners – Alzheimer’s Society, NSPCC, Cure Leukaemia and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Vélo Birmingham will run alongside next year’s BikeFest, the free family friendly event which offers a fun and healthy day out and includes a 2km closed road city cycle race.

Last Sunday’s BikeFest attracted record numbers and featured a team from Action Sports Tour performing tricks and stunts in front of the Council House.

Why we're backing Vélo Birmingham

Rugby World Cup hero Martin Johnson
Rugby World Cup hero Martin Johnson

Martin Johnson CBE, who was born in Solihull, said: “As a cycling fanatic, it’s hugely exciting to see an event of this scale coming to my home town.

“Cycling on closed roads is absolutely exhilarating and I can’t wait to be one of 15,000 riders on the start line next September 24.

“My advice to anyone who is tempted to enter but is doubting their ability to complete 100 miles would be to just take the plunge and go for it!

“I speak from experience when I say that with the right training it’s an extremely achievable goal.

“Completing a century ride is a huge accomplishment and the feeling when you cross the finish line will be worth all the hard work.”

Lord Sebastian Coe
Lord Sebastian Coe

Lord Sebastian Coe, Executive Chairman of Chime Sports Management (CSM), CSM Active’s parent company, said: “The launch of Vélo Birmingham is a hugely significant milestone for CSM and it is extremely encouraging to see how well the event has been received.

“Vélo Birmingham is the first event in what is going to be an extremely diverse portfolio of large scale mass participation events owned and organised by CSM Active. Cycling is very much part of CSM Active’s core strategy and we look forward to developing our footprint in the sport in years to come.”

Bikefest 2016 highlights below

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Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council Ian Ward said: “Vélo Birmingham is a huge event for Birmingham and we are extremely excited to welcome 15,000 cyclists from all over the UK to our magnificent city next September.

“The event will further strengthen Birmingham’s credentials as a modern and dynamic city capable of hosting large scale sporting events and will also serve as a powerful awareness platform for the Birmingham Cycle Revolution.

“The benefits of hosting an event such as Vélo Birmingham are plentiful, not least in terms of economic impact, charity fundraising and how it will inspire Birmingham residents to take up the sport of cycling and complete a challenge of a lifetime.”

Jon Ridgeon, Executive Chairman of organisers CSM Active, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Birmingham City Council to make the first ever Vélo Birmingham a triumph.

“The unique combination of the family friendly BikeFest with the epic challenge of a 100 mile closed road sportive means that everyone will have the opportunity to get involved in what promises to be a truly spectacular weekend celebration of cycling.

“We are delighted to see the huge demand for the 100 mile sportive and urge all pre-registrants to secure their place on the start line as soon as entries open on the 29th to avoid missing out.”

  • For more information and to pre-register click here