European Cycle Challenge 2016

 

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2015 EUROPEAN CYCLE CHALLENGE

By Mark Stevens
30/8/2016

 

Exeter Chiefs Cycle Club are looking to build on the success of their first-ever European Cycle Challenge by staging another major fundraising event this October.

Having pedalled their way over 400 miles from Sandy Park to Bordeaux back in January, riders are now being sought to take part in the second event, which will see 25 intrepid cyclists make the journey from Devon over to Belfast ahead of the Chiefs tackling Ulster Rugby in Round Two of this season's European Champions Cup.

 

The ride will commence on Monday, October 17 from Sandy Park and aims to be completed in Belfast on Friday, October 21.

The detailed route for the ride is still being finalised by organisers, but it is estimated to be around 450 miles over the five days, including the ferry crossing from Fishguard to Rosslare.

This is the second cycle ride of it’s kind following the inaugural European Cycle Challenge to Bordeaux last season when 23 cyclists and support crew raised £22,500 for the Exeter Foundation, the official charity of the Exeter Chiefs.

There are a large number of cycling enthusiasts who support Exeter Rugby and this is a great opportunity to combine the two passions as well as raise money for very worthy causes. A visit to Belfast to watch the European Champions Cup tie against Ulster Rugby is a worthy prize.

The first cycle ride to Bordeaux was a great success, not only did it raise a significant sum for charity, but it also generated a lot of interest from sponsors and the press. We appeared on both the BBC, ITV and Sky TV (who were televising the game) and were interviewed on both local radio and TV as well as French Television when we arrived in Bordeaux.

The ride is open to a whole range of riding abilities and will be fully supported by a coach and three mini-buses who will provide regular food, hot drinks and rest stops en-route. The participants fund everything so all the money raised goes to the local charities. Local rugby clubs are also being contacted on the way down to provide additional support on the way.

The European Cycle Challenge, which is sponsored by SWComms and supported by 5D Group and Exeter Rugby Club, will add to the Exeter Foundation’s non-designated fund, which can be applied for by local projects that are occurring within Exeter and its surrounding areas. Additional sponsors are also being sought to supply clothing and transport for the trip.

The draft outline of the programme is as follows:
Monday 17th - Cycle from Exeter to Chepstow - 102 miles
Tuesday 18th - Cycle Chepstow to Carmarthen – 96 miles
Wednesday 19th- Cycle Carmarthen to Ferry and cross to Rosslare - circa 40 miles
Thursday 20th - Cycle Rosslare to Dublin - 100 miles
Friday 21st - Cycle Dublin to Ulster RC - 102 miles
Saturday 22nd - Watch Ulster Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Sunday 23rd - Return to Exeter via Dublin - Holyhead – ferry TBA

If anyone would like to sponsor any particular parts of the ride organisation, please could they contact David Cosford at [email protected].

Support the cyclists at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/exetertoulstercycle