THOUSANDS of cyclists will be racing through Quinton to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity this Sunday (May 12).

The final section of the 100-mile Velo Birmingham & Midlands starts in Quinton, near junction 3 of the M5.

More than 17,000 cyclists will take on the second edition of the race over a route that takes in Birmingham, Coventry and surrounding areas.

Former England Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson and Olympic cycling gold medallist Chris Boardman are among the famous faces taking part.

The race is expected to raise more than £1million for national and local charities.

Richard Relton, managing director of the Velo Series, said: “We can’t wait to see thousands of local residents out on the route cheering on the riders who are literally going the extra mile to raise funds for local and national charities close to their heart.”

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This year’s event promises to be spectacular and the aim is to inspire 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.”

The majority of roads being used for the race are being closed to traffic but the A456 Hagley Road West from Quinton towards the city centre is one of the exceptions.

The eastbound route will remain open to normal traffic throughout the day as far as its junction with the A4030 at Bearwood.

However, roads between Frankley and Quinton- including Frankley Beeches Road, Hoggs Lane, Merritt’s Brook Lane, Holloway, Merritt’s Hill, Frankley Lane, Scotland Lane, Field Lane, Howley Grange Road and part of Spies Lane – will be closed between 8.15am-6pm.

You can see the map of planned road closures in full at https://www.velobirmingham.com/the-route/road-closures/