RIDE24 Cycle Challenge Hopes to Raise £65,000

Posted Thursday 5th July 2012 –

At Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit on the 23 and 24 June 200 riders took to the saddle for the fourth RIDE24 cycling challenge in the hope to raise £65,000 for Action Medical Research last weekend. Whilst many rode as part of a relay team the participants included 40 solo riders – 7 of whom were Race Across America (RAAM) 2013 hopefuls. RIDE24 is an official qualifying event for Race Across America (RAAM) solo riders, who need to prove they are good enough to take on the world-famous ultra-endurance cycling race.

The coveted RIDE24 solo rider trophy was won by RAAM hopeful Stewart Edwards, who travelled 180 laps in 24 hours.

The RIDE24 team winner trophy was won by a team of four from the University of Birmingham who travelled 226 laps in total. They have also secured themselves a free place in the French 24 Heures Velo event at the legendary Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans.

Defending their title was 27 year old Sports Science Phd student – Xavier Disley. He says: “It’s a unique 24hr event which lends itself beautifully to several team camaraderie opportunities. Though it was raining for most part, we were so well looked after by Action Medical Research that we just carried on regardless. The University of Birmingham intends to send teams back every year and we will continue to fly the flag for this fantastic charity.”

Organised by children’s charity Action Medical Research and operated under British Cycling technical regulations, the event is the UK’s only 24-hour cycling endurance track event.

Event manager Sarah Stevenson, from Action Medical Research, says: “This year’s RIDE24 with Air Partner was a huge success! It was particularly tough as the riders were faced with 10 solid hours of heavy rain and 29 mile head winds all through the night. Action Medical Research is truly indebted to every participant for enduring this race to help raise funds. A very special thanks to Air Partner, Cyclosport.org, Zero Carbon World, High 5, Complete Wellbeing, Claude Gasnal organisation and all the marshals and British Cycling for their support. The event will not have been possible without you!”