Ziggurat cycling challenge defies Covid

The annual Ziggurat cycling challenge in aid of the charity Action for Medical Research for Children, will go ahead this year, although it will not follow its usual route from the UK into continental Europe.

Instead, due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the riders on the 540km circular tour will remain in England and, more specifically, within the wine regions of Surrey, Kent and Sussex.

As usual, the majority of those taking part will come from the construction and built environment sectors and the organisers say they would welcome more industry participants – be they keen cyclists or merely occasional pedallers.

It should be pointed out, however, that the minimum daily distance to be covered on the five-day challenge will be 117km (73 miles), with the maximum a gruelling 156km (97 miles).

The organisers are keen to point out, however, that each day will be punctuated with a separate vineyard stop-off, while the final day of the challenge will involve no cycling at all, but a private tour of Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey – and a private wine tasting.

Among the benefits for those who take part in the challenge will be:

• Ride leaders and sweep riders
• Medical and mechanical support
• 4* hotel accommodation
• Luggage transfer
• Vineyard experience

To find out more about the Ziggurat cycling challenge for Action Medical Research for Children, visit www.action.org.uk/ziggurat or contact the organiser Sarah Stevenson at [email protected]