Are you a seasoned cyclist ready to push your limits? The Ride of Champions is calling all elite riders to take on the ultimate challenge.
This gruelling 100-mile journey sets off from Sparsholt College, Winchester, before ferrying across to the Isle of Wight for stunning coastal views. Riders will make their way back to Winchester through the picturesque New Forest.
Why Ride of Champions?
• Extreme Endurance: Tackle a demanding 100-mile course that will push even the most experienced cyclists to their limits.
• Epic Terrain: Navigate through Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s challenging climbs, rapid descents, and rugged landscapes that will test your skills and stamina.
• Champion’s Glory: Ride alongside fellow elite cyclists, all striving for greatness and the title of Champion.
• Your impact: Every mile you conquer will help us reach our fundraising goal of £3.6 million to build our new Airbase.
Find out more about our Operation Airbase appeal.
Registration fee is £60 and includes: detailed route handbook, downloadable GPX/TCX files, ferry tickets, a charity event jersey, comfort stops, live rider location tracking, a finisher’s medal and event mechanic.
The route:
• Hampshire Countryside: Begin your ride through the beautiful Hampshire roads, setting off from Sparsholt College, Winchester, making your way to Portsmouth.
• Ferry to the Isle of Wight: From Portsmouth, board a ferry across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
• Cycling the Isle of Wight: Take in the Island’s coastal charm and challenge yourself on the idyllic Military Road with its breathtaking vistas.
• Ferry from Yarmouth: After completing your circuit around the island, hop on a ferry to Lymington, a lovely seaside town.
• New Forest: Cycle through the enchanting New Forest, greeting wild ponies and cattle along the way.
• Finish: End your journey back at the starting point, with the satisfaction of supporting a life-saving cause.
Former Air Ambulance patient Tim Daniels is gearing up for the endurance event 11 years after we helped save his life when he broke his neck, back, shoulder and nearly all of his ribs when he crashed into a telegraph pole while riding his bicycle.
Tim said:
“I am so excited to be participating in and supporting the Ride of Champions. Nearly 12 years ago I had a near fatal cycling accident and but for the wonderful team at HIOWAA I would not be here today. Since that day I have been determined to raise funds for the charity and have completed a number of cycling challenges over the years raising more than £100k in that period.
“This continues to this very day when I will be on the start line along with a group of friends who have all supported me in my fundraising efforts and various challenges. As we cycle right across the whole region where the charity has been saving lives for more than 17 years it will be a wonderful vindication of the work this charity performs for all the residents and visitors of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
How to participate:
1. Register: Secure your spot.
2. Fundraise: A fundraising page will be set up automatically set up for you. We suggest each cyclist aims to raise £250 for the Operation Airbase appeal.
3. Train Hard: Follow our advanced training plans to prepare for the ultimate test.
4. Ride: Join us on Sunday 15 June and conquer the course.
Prizes and Perks:
• Top finishers will receive exclusive trophies and branded charity merchandise.
• All participants will earn a prestigious finisher’s medal and event jersey.
• Support stations with energy packs and hydration throughout the route.
Register now and prove your mettle in the Ride of Champions.
For further information, please contact us at: [email protected]