The Vélo North 2019 sportive scheduled for Sunday 1 September has been cancelled after they failed to attract sufficient entries.
Organisers CSM Active have emailed all those who signed up for the 50 and 100 miles closed roads event, saying: "It is with deep regret that we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the inaugural Vélo North, scheduled to take place on Sunday September 1, 2019. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to attract sufficient riders to justify the event going ahead. We apologise to everyone who had signed up and was looking forward to taking part - we hope you understand our reasoning and appreciate that this was not a decision we took lightly."
Riders will be refunded their entrance fees and parking fees but will not get any compensation for travel or accommodation that has been pre-booked but cannot be cancelled. All entrants should have now received an email from the organisers and refunds shoud be processed by 8 August. There is an option for riders to transfer their entry to next year's Vélo Birmingham & Midlands, although that only offers a 100 mile option so those entered for the 50 mile route may have to be put in considerable extra training.
A 2020 Velo North had been scheduled but no decision has yet been taken about whether the organisers will attempt to run the event next year. Durham County Council had offered considerable support for the event, sometimes against the objections of local residents, and it is hoped that they will be supportive of events in the area in future years. Prostate Cancer UK, who were to be the lead charity for Velo North, will also be disappointed by the cancellation.
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