Charity Off-Road Cycle Event

Press release – 3rd October 2022

Sun shines for The Viking Challenge

Redmile CE Primary School welcomes over 700 cyclists!

The Viking Challenge returned with 800 cyclists conquering the charity off–road cycle event on Sunday 2nd October. With inter-changeable weather over the past few days, the sun shone for the event that cycled across the beautiful scenery of the Vale of Belvoir.

The volunteer-led event has always been a key fundraiser for Redmile CE Primary School. Entrants complete a 65km, 55km or 30km circuit, which starts and finishes at the school. This year the money raised, through entry fees and donations, will be for the school and the local Nottinghamshire charity Reach. The route is mostly off-road and provides plenty of opportunities to get muddy!

Although the event is not a race, Gavin Jones led the way with the 65km route, Tim Young was the first back from the 55km with first woman back Ruth Stanley hot on his heels, completing the 30 km for the first time. Chris and Karen Crawford returned for the fourth time to complete the course on their tandem!

Jane Noad, Chair of the organising committee noted; “It was a fantastic day and all the riders had great fun enjoying the Viking route in the sun for a change. Our huge team of volunteers were incredible in making the event happen this year, with 90 marshals and 60 volunteers who make this event happen. It was lovely to see everyone taking part and we are delighted to deliver another great event for our Vikings.”

There were also a number of pupils from Redmile CE Primary School who tackled the challenge with their parents. The Viking Challenge really is a family focused event that brings the local community together as well as many others from all over the country.

Not just an event for the local villages, the Viking Challenge attracts cyclists from across the country travelling from as far away as Hastings, Sutton Coalfield and Sheffield! Steve Copeland returned to cycle from Jerez, Spain travelling 2245 miles to take part in the event.

The challenge brings many groups of cyclists together for a chance to meet up, catch up and take on the challenge.  One polish cycling group (Rowerowa Wyspa – translated "Cycling Island") brought together 19 of it’s members from across the UK, collectively travelling 1,119miles. 

Executive Head teacher, Julie Hopkins, said, “It was such a thrill to host the event yet again. Riders were so appreciative and even thankful for the mud! It was great to see many familiar faces who have returned year after year to support the event. Special thanks to everyone who volunteered their time before, during and after the event; we couldn’t have done it without you!  The money raised from this year’s event will support the many trips we have planned for the children.”

There will be an announcement about the funds raised from the 2022 event at our presentation event in January 2023. Please follow our Facebook book for photographs, news and updates.

Ends

Notes to Editor:

• The Viking Challenge is the UK’s largest off-road amateur bike challenge across 30k, 55k and 65km. The route changes each year but is based on the Viking Way, an ancient track-way originally linking Newark and Stamford. It always starts from Redmile CofE Primary School in Redmile (NG13 0GL)

• £500,000+ raised for Redmile school and charity partners since it began in 1995

• 150+ volunteers to run and man the event on the day

• Next event: Sunday 1st October 2023.

• For more information, please visit: https://vikingchallenge.org.uk