A major new closed-road cycling event is set to arrive in the North East this year.
Supported by Durham County Council, this brand-new cycling phenomenon will provide 15,000 riders with the opportunity to explore the beautiful County Durham countryside on fully closed roads with over 40,000 visitors and approximately 80 per cent of attendees expected to come from outside the area and stay in the county overnight.
Vélo Series ambassador, Martin Johnson CBE, a former England Rugby Captain participating in Vélo North, said: “Opportunities to ride on closed roads are incredibly rare and having ridden the inaugural Vélo Birmingham, I can’t wait to be one of 15,000 riders lining up in Durham City Centre on Sunday, September 1.”
Vélo North is offering a 100 mile route that will take thousands of riders on a challenging but spectacular journey through the beautiful North Pennines. Starting in the heart of Durham City Centre in the shadow of Durham Cathedral, the event will take riders on an unforgettable trip through the countryside.
The event will also offer a shorter, 50 mile closed-road route, offering riders the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding on closed roads.
Councillor Ossie Johnson, Cabinet member for culture, leisure and rural issues at Durham County Council, said: “This event is an opportunity to show off our beautiful county to a new audience. It would also significantly boost our economy and inspire people to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle.”
The event will also provide a major fundraising platform for a number of local and national charities, with Prostate Cancer UK – Vélo North’s lead charity partner – aiming to raise in excess of £250,000.
Mark Whitehead, CEO of the Vélo Series, said: “The passion for cycling in the North of England is incredible and as a Northerner myself, I couldn’t be more proud and excited that we are bringing a closed road event to the region.”
Vélo North places are expected to be in high demand when entries open on Thursday March 7, exclusively to everyone who has pre-registered.
To be in with a chance of taking part participants must pre-register before midnight on Wednesday March 6th.
For more information, please visit: https://www.velonorth.com/
A WARNING to all communities in and around the areas affected by road closures associated with Velo North…
CSM active have tried to deliver this “Velo” event twice now in other parts of the country and failed dismally. They cause huge disruption wherever they go, failing to deliver on all commitments whilst peddling a much hyped and incessantly positive spin about an event that has yet to prove its benefit statements, yet to raise significant money for charity and yet to bring benefit to tourism and local economy. It is however exceptional at significant disruption without basic planning and bringing whole regions and counties to a standstill for a weekend. Write to your local councillors NOW, write to your local MPs NOW and make sure this event is stopped before it causes significant losses and impact for local business and communities.