2017 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 Wilier Tour of the Black Country is inspired by the Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix. 2017 will see the introduction of a new 100-mile route option – in addition to the original 100km (62-mile) option -, which includes a total of seventeen unpaved gravel and cobbled sectors, varying in length from 600m to 4000m – 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 epic 4km-long Glasshampton Monastery sector, and the astonishing Clent gravel climb, whose summit provides a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Black Country, the Malvern Hills and Wales. 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 original 100 km (62-mile) route option includes 14 of the 17 unpaved sectors, including the iconic Waltonberg, and velodrome finish. 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 Wilier Tour of the Black Country will be held on Sunday 23 Apr 2017, starting and finishing at Aldersley Velodrome, Wolverhampton WV6 9NW. Registration begins at 0800 and riders can start any time they like between 0800 to 1000. You can sign up using our online entry system – click on the red ‘ENTER’ button below. 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 – 100 mile route

Unpaved Sectors – 100 km route

100km Route  Profile of Unpaved Sectors

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

The new fast and rolling Abberley Hall gravel sector (1500m, four stars) runs past the base of the unusual Abberley Clock Tower, which is visible from several miles away.

The new 2.2km four-star stony gravel sector through Witley Court.

The new Feed Station at Witley Court.

The new, utterly epic 4km-long Glasshampton Monastery gravel sector. Regularly used in the RAC Rally in the 1980s.

The five-star stony gravel road past Glasshampton Monastery. Very secluded and home to beekeeping Franciscan monks.

The steep Clent climb. An 18% tarmac road gives way to broken concrete ramp (above) and then to a red gravel track which snakes its way up to the 1000ft open summit of Clent. The Abberley Hills (Sector 16) are visible in the distance.

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.

THE LAPIERRE CYCLE CLASSICS SERIES

Cheshire Cobbled Classic – White Roads Classic- Tour of the Black Country (starts at 3:47).

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: