Riders who can't commit to the full nine days of this year's Deloitte Ride Across Britain, a 1,000-mile trek spanning the length of the country, will be able to join the challenge for up to three daily stages, organisers have announced.
Over 500 riders will set off from John O’Groats in Scotland on 11 June and ride up to 110 miles a day to reach Land's End in Cornwall nine days later. In a departure from last year's inaugural event, a further 100 places each day will be opened up to those who can't do the whole journey but still want a taste.
Full details of the route are available at the Ride Across Britain website. Starting points for the daily stages include Fort William, Glasgow and Manchester, with each leg costing £98.50 + VAT. For this you get route guides, medical support and mechanical support, plus food and drink; however, sports nutrition isn't included. All riders require either gold or silver British Cycling membership to take part.
Organisers are hoping to raise £1 million over the next four years for ParalympicsGB, the charity involved with preparing British athletes for the Paralympic Games. Riders are encouraged to fundraise for the charity, but can choose others if they wish.
The challenge was devised by Olympic rowing gold medallist James Cracknell and Threshold Sports. Julian Mack, a co-founding director of the company, said: “By opening up daily stages on Deloitte RAB we're making the event more accessible to people who are time- or budget-constrained, and naturally by increasing the number of participants it'll have a positive effect for ParalympicsGB fundraising.” To sign up to the ride, visit www.rideacrossbritain.com.
