How Velo South became so controversial

We trace the story behind why the cycle ride this Sunday has provoked such anger and what is being done about it:

It’s the cycle ride that’s had threats of protest and the most heartfelt pledges to fundraise for loved ones.

Velo South is set to be the county’s largest ever closed road cycle event, if not the very first of its kind, in the area.

On September 23, an estimated 15,000 cyclists are set to take on the 100-mile circuit to and from Goodwood, travelling through Pulborough, Ashington, Partridge Green, Southwater, Loxwood, Fernhurst, and back down through Rogate, Compton and Funtington.

To facilitate the event, a schedule of road closures from two to nine hours will be in place on the day, including several main roads such as the A283, the B2145 and parts of the A29.

Velo South - When is it? Where is the route? What roads are closed? Who is takin...

While the event organiser, CSM Active, has sought to assure parishioners spectators will line the route to cheer participants on, residents have been angered and even outraged by the road closures and lack of community consultation on the event.

A tale of two bike rides

Posters have been put up by campaigners hoping to stop Velo South, a 100-mile cycling event.

Opinion is divided among residents with some looking forward to the event and some angered by it.

CSM Active has promised a professionally run, enjoyable event that will boost business and West Sussex County Council has consistently referred to Velo as a ‘showcase’ of the area for tourism.The majority of those opposed to the event are people who live within or on the huge closed-circuit concerned about access issues,particularly in villages that will have their only main roads shut off for up to eight or nine hours