Action Medical Research unveils new challenge rides at Cycle Show

It won’t just be the latest trends, bikes and accessories being launched at the Cycle Show this week. An exciting new programme of challenge rides is also being unveiled by national charity Action Medical Research at the2009 event.

The children’s health charity’s packed Take Action 2010 schedule features more than 20 events, catering for both seasoned cyclists and recreational riders.

Heading up the programme is the charity’s flagship London to Paris tour, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010. The popular 300-mile ride is already the biggest of its kind in the charity sector and will feature a new, three-day faster route for 2010.

Around 750 cyclists will leave the capital on July 21-22 and the will arrive in Paris just one day ahead of the final stage of the Tour de France and ride in convoy down the Champs Elysees to finish at the Eiffel Tower.

Closer to home, the Take Action 100 series of one-day regional UK rides now offers 17 graded events in stunning locations, offering both 100-mile and 100km options.

Additions include the charity’s first ride in Wales, the Brecons 100, the Sheffield 100 in the Peak District, the Peterborough 100, the Down 100 in Northern Ireland, and the Winchester 100 in the New Forest.

The Cross-Border 100 will see participants choose from two start points, one in England, the other in Scotland and they will meet in the middle on the Coldstream Bridge.

The toughest challenge in the calendar will be the second RIDE24 endurance relay. This year’s inaugural event saw 25 teams of four spend 24 hours racing in the saddle. Inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorsports race, the event takes place at Dunsfold aerodrome in Surrey, home of the Top Gear test track.

Last year’s competitors received their medals from Olympic road race champion Nicole Cooke, who is Cycling Ambassador for the charity.

Nicole said: “To be involved with a charity that works tirelessly to make a difference and seeks to stop suffering in children makes me very proud. Action Medical Research is about excellence and achievement through the work it funds.

“This excellence is also apparent in the challenging events the charity encourages everyday cyclists to get involved with. Action has a passion for cycling which is second to none. I would encourage all to get involved, get on a bike and take on something amazing.”

For more information about the cycling programme, you can visit stand F14 and www.action.org.uk/takeaction.

The Cycle Show 2009 takes place from October 9-11 October. Tickets cost £11.50 for adults, but road.cc users who book using our special promotional code can get in for a tenner.

To get your discount when buying tickets, visit www.cycleshow.co.uk/rcc  - the ticket offer code is RCC, and the ticket price is £10. For more information on the show, visit www.cycleshow.co.uk.