Given the current government guidelines regarding COVID-19, all 2020 Cycle Classics events will have to be postponed. If possible, events will be rescheduled for later this year. If medical advice indicates it is not safe to hold mass-participation cycle events this year, events will be rescheduled for 2021. All entries will remain valid for rescheduled events. If desired, entrants may use their entries for any future Cycle Classics event (Tour of the Black Country, Cheshire Cobbled Classic, Bournville Hilly Classic, White Roads Classic) either in 2020, 2021 or beyond. Updates will be posted on this website and on social media.

2019 Rider Information Pack

The cobbled road at the base of the Waltonberg climb.

The cobbles of Sector 12 leading to Walton Hill.

Irregular and broken cobblestones.

Modelled on the epic European Classic ‘Paris-Roubaix’

The Tour of the Black Country is inspired by the Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix. It includes a total of thirteen unpaved gravel and cobbled sectors, varying in length from 600m to 1800m – all of which are passable on a standard road bike. Each sector is rated according to difficulty; one star being the most straightforward, five stars being the most difficult. The five-star sectors include the ‘Waltonberg’ cobbled climb. The route finishes, as does Paris-Roubaix, on a large outdoor velodrome, at Aldersley Stadium. The roads of the Tour of the Black Country are mostly traffic-free, and the majority of the unpaved sectors are closed to all traffic. The cobbles, unpaved gravel roads and the velodrome finish make the Tour of the Black Country one of the most unique, challenging and exciting events in Britain.

The Tour of the Black Country will be held on Sunday 31 May 2020, starting and finishing at Aldersley Velodrome, Wolverhampton WV6 9NW. Registration begins at 0900 and riders can start any time they like after 0930. You can sign up using our online entry system – click on the red ‘ENTER’ button below. Entries are priced at £29. The event is promoted by Cycle Classics, who also organize the Cheshire Cobbled Classic, which includes several steep cobbled climbs, including the infamous 45% Corkscrew, and the Strade-Bianche-themed White Roads Classic which features 17 white gravel/chalk sectors.

The event is being supported by British Cycling; read the article on their website describing how the sportive came into being, and the ideas and values behind it.

Unpaved Sectors

Interactive Route Map

Route Profile

Unpaved Sectors

Six-page feature on the Tour of the Black Country in April 2017 Cycling Plus

Waltonberg 22% Cobbled Climb – Video

Roubaix-style dust clouds thrown up on the fast Gorse Lane gravel sector, just 10km from the velodrome.

Drone view of the velodrome finish of the Tour of the Black Country.

Photos: henryiddon.com

The Tour of the Black Country also features prominently in a new book by amateur cyclist Iain MacGregor, ‘To Hell on a Bike’ (published 12 March 2015), in which prepares for the ride of his life as he attempts to ride the whole route of Paris-Roubaix, a race which has obsessed him since childhood. He explores the history and culture of this extraordinary race, with insights from legends of the sport, trainers, mechanics and fellow writers, as well as those who have maintained the traditions of Paris-Roubaix since its inception over a century ago. It is the ultimate story of the ultimate cycling challenge. There is a whole chapter on the Tour of the Black Country – the sister event of the White Roads Classic – which he rode as preparation for Paris-Roubaix, and the book also discusses the origins of the White Roads Classic. This book will be of interest to anyone who has ridden, or is planning to ride the White Roads Classic, the Tour of the Black Country – or Roubaix itself!

Available now in bookshops and from amazon: