Organisers of Vélo Birmingham have confirmed that the ride will return in 2019 with a revised route.

The ride, which divided opinion, was first held last September and immediately became the second biggest closed road cycling event ever to take place in the UK, with organisers hailing it a huge success.

Thousands of riders and spectators took part, with a route covering areas of Birmingham, the Black Country, South Staffordshire and the Worcestershire countryside. £2million was raised for a host of charities including Cure Leukaemia, NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Bosses have decided to move the ride to a spring slot and to introduce a new route which they believe will allow them to further grow the event. Jon Ridgeon, chairman of event organisers CSM Active, said:

“Whilst the inaugural Vélo Birmingham was a huge success, it was clear to us that some changes would be necessary if the event was to reach its long-term potential.

“The move from September to spring, along with the new route, will provide us with a fantastic, sustainable long-term platform from which to grow in years to come and we can’t wait to return with an even more spectacular event in 2019.”

Pre-registration for the 2019 ride can be completed online at velobirmingham.com, with further details announced in the coming months.