Riders Sought for 24 Hour Cycle Challenge
Posted Tuesday 31st January 2012 –
Registration is now open for RIDE24, the UK’s only 24-hour cycling endurance track event, to be held at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit on 23 and 24 June. Organised by children’s charity Action Medical Research and operated under British Cycling technical regulations, the event is open to relay teams of four as well as solo riders.
Teams will need to use stamina, speed, skill and strategy as they compete for the coveted RIDE24 trophy, won by the four-man team that completes the most laps and therefore travels furthest in 24 hours. The winning team will also secure themselves a free place in the French 24 Heures Velo event at the legendary Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans and there are awards for second place and top mixed/female/vets teams.
Running alongside the team event, RIDE24 is also 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. Or the event can provide a unique challenge for lone riders who want to put their speed and stamina to the ultimate test.
The Goodwood venue is a classic motor racing circuit and gives RIDE24 racers a 2.4-mile smooth, slightly undulating, circular track, with viewing platforms at all the exciting corners! There are some wide open stretches, with some welcome tail winds and not-so-welcome head winds along the way.
When not in the saddle, competitors can recover in the RIDE24 rider village, which includes camping facilities, 24-hour hot and cold food and snacks, massage area, first aid and mechanical support.
In 2011 the overall event winners were a University of Birmingham team, who completed 230 laps and travelled a total of 552 miles – beating the previous year’s champions by seven laps.
Winning team captain Xavier Disley said: “We had a great time at RIDE 24 last year and will be bringing a much stronger team this year to try and go even faster than the record speed we set in 2011. We hope there are other teams out there willing to take us on!”
Event manager Sarah Stevenson, from Action Medical Research, says: “This is the ultimate in biking challenges and the only event of its kind in the UK, with teams racing day and night around the famous Goodwood circuit. It’s your chance to push yourself to the limit in an exciting, well-supported and unforgettable experience, and all for a good cause. We want this year’s event to be bigger, better and more competitive than ever so do join us.”
Cyclists participating in RIDE24 raise money to help fund medical research into conditions affecting babies and children. Research currently being supported by Action Medical Research includes work around meningitis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and premature birth, as well as some very rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children. Last year’s event raised more than £80,000 for the charity.
There are several different entry options. By taking the fundraising team option, teams of four can enter for £240 and then commit to raising £1,300 in sponsorship. By taking the sportive team option, teams of four can enter for £1,000 with no further payment or sponsorship due. Fundraising solo riders entry is £60, with a commitment to raise £325 in sponsorship. Sportive solo entry is £250 with no further payment or sponsorship due.
For more information about RIDE24 and to register, visit the website –
www.action.org.uk/r24.
