Over 70 dedicated supporters from Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Walsall, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers came together for the inaugural Tour de Midlands event — raising vital funds for their respective club charities and demonstrating the power of football to unite communities around a shared cause.
Starting and finishing at the Alexander Stadium — the UK’s largest athletics venue of its kind — participants cycled 40 miles across the West Midlands. Along the route, riders stopped at several iconic stadiums, including Villa Park, St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Molineux Stadium, The Hawthorns and the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium. Together, the event showcased how friendly rivalries can be set aside to make a real difference.
The Albion Foundation were represented by 22 cyclists, with a few who regularly join us on our annual Baggies Cycle Challenges, most recently the ride from Ipswich to The Hawthorns.
Cyclists arrived bright and early at Alexander Stadium for an 8:00am start, with a positive atmosphere building as T-shirts and wristbands were distributed and team photos captured ahead of riders setting off in organised groups at staggered intervals. The route took participants to Villa Park before continuing to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, and on through increasingly challenging inclines to The Hawthorns, before reaching the halfway point at Molineux Stadium. Here, Decathlon Bike Services were on hand to assist with any maintenance needs as riders refuelled, enjoyed well-earned rest stops and captured special pitchside and stadium photos. The journey continued to the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium and through to the final stretch back at Alexander Stadium, where riders were welcomed with applause and presented with medals, celebrating their determination, resilience and collective support for one another throughout the challenge.
The impact of the day was best reflected in the voices of those involved. Luke, cycling for The Albion Foundation, said:
“Leading a group of cyclists around safely with the majority of them completing their longest ever ride. Their smiles throughout and at the end were brilliant. Oh and meeting Hugh Porter (cycling legend) at Wolves.”
Dave, cycling for Aston Villa Foundation, added:
“Enjoyed it — all foundation staff were kind and friendly, so well done to them.”
Colin, cycling for Birmingham City Foundation, shared:
“My experience was very positive and Steve's leadership and guidance was on point.”
And Daz, cycling for Wolves Foundation, summed up the spirit of the event:
“Brilliant sense of community all for a great cause.”
The Tour de Midlands Cycle Challenge truly reflected the spirit of collaboration, bringing together supporters from different clubs with one shared purpose — to make a positive difference in their communities. The Albion Foundation is incredibly proud of its riders, whose efforts will directly support programmes that inspire, empower and create opportunities for those who need them most.
Check out the Tour De Midlands photo gallery below.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who took part, volunteered and supported the event. Together, you have shown the incredible impact that can be made when communities come together — and we look forward to building on this success in future events.
