THOUSANDS of cyclists are set to ride through Quinton, Halesowen and Romsley as part of the Velo Birmingham bike ride in September.

The bike ride will be one of the biggest sporting events in the region this year as cyclists ride 100 miles through Birmingham, Sandwell, Dudley, Worcestershire and Staffordshire.

Starting on Broad Street, Birmingham on Sunday, September 24, the 100 mile fully closed road route will take 15,000 cyclists on the Hagley Road West, Manor Way and St Kenelm's Pass.

Halesowen North Councillor Hilary Bills, Dudley Council cabinet member responsible for transport, said: “We’re delighted that Dudley borough will feature as part of the first ever Vélo Birmingham sportive taking in 100 miles of Midlands’ roads.

"I hope that residents will get behind the event and turn out on the day to cheer on the thousands of riders taking part.”

Cllr Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “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 as they ride through our section of the route.”

Jon Ridgeon, executive chairman of organisers CSM Active, added: “This route has been a long time in planning and we are delighted to be able to finally unveil it.

"We believe it shows off the very best of Birmingham and the West Midlands and we are confident participants are going to be blown away with how spectacular the route is."

Extensive road closures will be in place throughout the day in order to safely deliver the event. 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 on the day.

A detailed resident information letter will be distributed to all homes on the route over the next few weeks, enabling residents to learn more about the road closures, alongside details of how to contact the event organisers should they need to find out more. General entries are sold out, however, it is still possible to 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 well over £1 million for a range of different charities at this year’s Vélo Birmingham.

For more information visit www.velobirmingham.com.