ARE you watching out for the Velo Birmingham riders today?

Thousands of cyclists have set off on the 100-mile event which just touches the Halesowen side of the Dudley borough this time round.

Former England Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson and Olympic cycling gold medallist Chris Boardman are among the famous faces taking part in the charity ride which is expected to raise more than £1million for national and local causes.

The majority of roads that form part of the route are being closed to traffic today but the A456 Hagley Road West from Quinton towards Birmingham city centre is one of the exceptions.

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

Roads between Frankley and Quinton, however, 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 until 6pm tonight (Sunday May 12).

Keep an eye on @VeloBirmingham for all the action and send us your pics (via our Facebook or Twitter pages) if you see the cyclists as they plough through the Quinton area or if you have a friend or family member taking part for a good cause.