– Durham to host major new closed road sportive for the North of England on Sunday 1st September 2019 – 100 mile & 50 mile route options, both starting in the heart of Durham City Centre – Up to 15,000 riders will go on a breathtaking journey through the spectacular North Pennines countryside – Entries open on Thursday March 7th on a first come first served basis exclusively to everyone who has pre-registered by that date – Prostate Cancer UK confirmed as Lead Charity Partner of Vélo North Wednesday 27th February 2019: Vélo North – a major new closed road sportive and the first of its kind for the North of England – was officially launched. Supported by Durham County Council, this brand-new festival of cycling will provide 15,000 riders, of all abilities, with the opportunity to explore the beautiful County Durham countryside on fully closed roads on Sunday 1st September. At the heart of the Vélo North offering is a 100 mile route that will take thousands of riders on a challenging but spectacular journey through the beautiful North Pennines. Starting and finishing in the heart of Durham City Centre in the shadow of Durham Cathedral, the event will take riders on an unforgettable journey through rolling countryside, passing through beautiful towns and villages. 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. Vélo North will also feature a diverse programme of community events and activities aimed at encouraging people to take up the sport of cycling and lead a healthier, more active lifestyle. With thousands of participants expected to travel from across the UK to participate in Vélo North, the event will help showcase and raise the profile of County Durham as well as providing significant economic impact for the region. 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. Following the huge success of Fire & Ice InDurham and the return of Lumiere, Vélo North is another exciting event in Durham’s 2019 line-up that is showcasing the region as a leader when it comes to hosting major cultural and sporting events. Vélo North is the latest event in the Vélo Series – a series of major closed road sportives within the UK. Other events in the Vélo Series include Vélo Birmingham & Midlands which is taking place on Sunday 12th May and Vélo South which organisers are planning to take place in the South of England in the Summer of 2020. As the only closed road sportive in the North of England, Vélo North places are expected to be in high demand when entries open on Thursday March 7th exclusively to everyone who has pre-registered – to be in with a chance of taking part participants must pre-register before midnight on Wednesday 6th March. Prospective participants will also have the option of entering through Vélo North’s Lead Charity Partner – Prostate Cancer UK. There will also be a Vélo North Business 100 entry option which provides companies with the opportunity to enjoy a VIP participation experience coupled with exclusive training events and networking opportunities. Cllr Ossie Johnson, Cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues at Durham County Council, said: “In a year when we are celebrating the power of culture and sport to revitalise communities and bring people together through the #Durham19 campaign, we are delighted to be a part of the Vélo series. Vélo North is not only a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beautiful and varied landscapes that exist within County Durham, but it will bring significant economic benefits to our region. It also has the potential to inspire more people to take up cycling and lead healthier lifestyles. “I would encourage anyone thinking about taking part to register their interest now to avoid disappointment.” Keen cyclist and Vélo Series ambassador Martin Johnson CBE, who is participating in Vélo North, said: “As a cycling fanatic, it’s hugely exciting to see another closed road sportive come to the UK. Opportunities to ride on closed roads are incredibly rare and having ridden the inaugural Vélo Birmingham, I know first-hand how exhilarating the experience can be – I can’t wait to be one of 15,000 riders lining up in Durham City Centre on Sunday 1st September.” For more details, please visit: www.velonorth.com www.facebook.com/Vélo-North-210512256567896 twitter.com/VeloNorth