Velo Essex, Chelmsford 20.09.2020. 100/50 MILES, CLOSED ROADS, FAMILY RIDE

Organisers of the Velo Series have announced the launch of a brand new closed-road sportive in Essex. Taking place on Sunday 20th September, ​Velo Essex - the sister event of the hugely successful Velo Birmingham and Midlands - will offer 15,000 riders a unique opportunity to ride on completely traffic-free roads across the County's iconic roads and lanes. With 100 and 50 mile route options, a Free Family Ride and a Cycling Festival within Hylands Park, the new sportive is set to become the biggest participation event in Essex's history.

Steeped in mile upon mile of beautiful rolling British countryside, Essex is renowned as one of the most stunning places to ride a bike within the UK. Having hosted Stage 3 of the 2014 Tour de France from Cambridge to London and produced some of Britain's best time trialists, the County has a rich cycling history. Lining the roads with adoring fans and treating the pro's to some of the most incredible support ever seen, it's now time for the amateurs to experience their very own 'Grand Tour of Essex'.

The event is open to riders of all ages and abilities and will see a true weekend festival of closed-road cycling. With over 15,000 places across the100 and 50 mile routes, and thousands more available for the Free Family Ride, it's expected that Velo Essex will become one of the UK's top three biggest cycling events in its inaugural year and the biggest participation event in Essex's history.

The event will start and finish within Hylands Park just outside of Chelmsford. Located under an hour from London and easily accessible from most major cities, Velo Essex will be the only other alternative Southern closed-road sportive from the overly subscribed Prudential Ride London. Building on its historic success as host during the 2014 Tour de France, organisers have worked hard to re-trace the 2014 Stage 3 route, with nearly half of the 100 mile route using the same roads as that memorable day.