THOUSANDS of cyclists saddled up for a charity bike ride through Worcestershire on Sunday.

The first ever Velo Birmingham, which has caused much controversy due to the extent of its road closures, was greeted with hundreds of spectators.

During the event the A443 Ombersley to Droitwich, including Roman Way, was closed as well as The A443 Holt to Ombersley and the A443 between Great Witley and Droitwich.

Initially, the race was delayed by about an hour setting off but organisers said this was due to final checks and there were reports that nails and tacks being left on the 100 mile route, including in Halesowen.

In Droitwich, a lively street party was held Vines Lane as dozens to spectators flocked to the street to enjoy the race as well as live entertainment.

Simon Berry, owner of the Gardeners Arms in Droitwich, said: "I think it's a spectacular event which our community have got together to provide a spectators facility to support the 15,000 rides.

"It is a national sport and we are sporting people as a nation."

He added that trade was better than it is on a usual Sunday.

Keen cyclist Andrew Parkin, who lives in Droitwich, said: "It is fantastic that the roads are shut it is like going back to the 1970s.

"I can get out of the roads on my bike. I know it inconveniences people, the roads being closed, but it is only one day- it is no hardship."

Paul Crowe said: "We just think it is great to support the event and cycling. I think it is a shame some people are so selfish."

Mark Heel, from Droitwich, said: "It is a nice idea but I don't think it has been very well planned.

"I know of two charity events that have had to be cancelled today because of this."

Prior to the event businesses said they were forced to close or operate reduced hours due to the event and some residents argued they would be trapped in their homes.

In Ombersley, the picture was not so positive.

Lee Ball, of the Kings Arms, said: "We are deadly quiet. We have 20 booked in and normally we would have 80.

"It is going to lose us about £1,000 to £1,500. I have sponsored people in the event – it is not the event itself or the riders it is the road closures."

He added that Velo and organiser CSM had promised the event would boost the local economy.

He said: "It has not materialised."

Mr Ball also said signage was unclear and appeared shortly before the event.

Peter Tomlinson, Worcestershire County Councillor for Ombersley, said: "I have been inundated with complaints.

"It is frustrating because all I can do is forward them on to highways.

"I feel very much for the businesses in my patch. I don’t think anyone at County understood the impact – that saddens me.

"They should have understood the impact."

But the village’s streets were lined with more than 100 spectators.

James Packer, of Holt Fleet Road, said: "It is nice to have peace and quiet on this road.

"I feel for sorry for some of the businesses but it is only one day."

His mother Margaret said: "I think it is wonderful. I think – why can’t it be every day.

"I danced in the road on my way to church this morning and on the way back. I won’t be able to do that again – unless they hold it again."