Velo Birmingham & Midlands cancelled due to coronavirus fears

One of the biggest cycling events in the country has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

About 18,000 cyclists were expected to join the third edition of Vélo Birmingham & Midlands on Sunday, June 21 2020.

In a statement, organisers said "refunding participant entry fees" which can cost more than £70 "is not something our business could absorb.”

They added that the decision to cancel was made with a "heavy heart". However, the announcement has gained mixed views online.

On the event website, they wrote: "We are simply unable to complete the work necessary in the next few weeks to ensure that the event could proceed safely and with minimum support from and/or disruption to local emergency services."

Bosses said none of their insurance policies "cover the unprecedented circumstances" of the current outbreak of COVID-19 and that they had lost funds paid out upfront.

Organisers hope to bring the event back next year and said they are doing what they can to try and navigate through this "incredibly challenging period."