THE VELO Birmingham which saw 15,000 cyclists ride 100 miles, including through Droitwich, Belbroughton and Clent, has been hailed a great success.
Residents lined the streets on Sunday to get a glimpse of the riders en route to the finish and one Droitwich landlord even held a welcoming street party.
Simon Berry from the Gardeners Arms provided hot pork baps for residents living on Vines Lane and put on live entertainment.
There was also a barbecue, real ale and a host of stalls.
He said: “It was absolutely phenomenal, one of the best ever events we have held here.
“The atmosphere on the day was superb and the riders really appreciated it as they came through.
“BBC Hereford and Worcester were here all day and said what a great event it was and we spoke to Worcestershire County Councillor Ken Pollock who thanked us for the way we supported the event.
“I would also like to thank The Standard for its support and coverage – had it not been for the paper not as many people would have known about it and the day would not have been as successful as it was.”
Vélo Birmingham’s four gold charities – Cure Leukaemia, Alzheimer’s Society, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity Birmingham and NSPCC – along with many other causes – will receive an estimated £2 million raised by cyclists taking part on their behalf.
Former England, Wolves and Crystal Palace footballer, blood cancer survivor and Cure Leukaemia Patron Geoff Thomas, who lives in Barnt Green, was also one of those taking part on Sunday.
Jon Ridgeon, Executive Chairman of CSM Active, organisers of Vélo Birmingham, thanked all the local authorities which helped organise the event.
“It was incredible to witness communities right along the route embrace the event and cheer on the thousands of riders who were taking on this epic challenge.
“Vélo Birmingham will return next year and we have no doubt that it will be even more exceptional than the inaugural edition.
“This event has the potential to be one of the world’s most iconic cycling events, a stalwart event in the British sporting calendar and a fantastic shop window for the Midlands and we look forward to working with our Local Authority partners to help make this vision a reality.”
