Transaid launches Celtic cycling challenge

International development charity, Transaid, has mapped out a Celtic challenge for this year’s annual European cycling fundraiser, and is calling on industry professionals to take part.

The Three Day Celtic Challenge, which will begin on September 18th, will see participants starting their 350km ride by the spectacular Brecon Beacons, and finishing at Dublin’s famous Trinity College. Along the way they will tackle rolling Welsh and Irish countryside, with highlights including stunning Pembrokeshire, as well as Glendalough, meaning ‘valley of the two lakes’, in Wicklow Mountains National Park.

At the end of their three days of challenging cycling, the team will finish with a celebration meal in Dublin before flying back to Birmingham the following day.

Previous challenges to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam have raised more than £300,000 for Transaid projects to improve road safety and access to healthcare in Africa, and organisers hope to attract up to 35 cyclists to take part this year.

Gary Forster, CEO of Transaid, says: “Our European cycle rides are a fantastic opportunity for members of the transport industry to face new challenges and explore new parts of the world whilst raising funds for a worthwhile cause, and we were delighted some of our previous participants had signed up again this year, even before we had announced the route!

“We’re looking forward to welcoming back those familiar faces and would like to encourage anyone who is interested in trying something new to join us for what promises to be another fantastic adventure.”

Previous cycle rides have welcomed teams and participants from firms including Norbert Dentressangle, Wincanton, DHL, Backhouse Jones and Clipper Logistics, with a Clipper team already signing up for 2015. Transaid is also looking for challenge sponsors, with transport technology company uTrack the first to come on board.

Places are limited, so anyone interested in taking part in the Three Day Celtic Challenge is urged to sign up quickly. To request a registration form or for further information on the challenge contact Florence Bearman on 020 7387 8136 or email Florence@transaid.org.

A registration fee of £99 is required for the challenge and all cyclists are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,600. Transaid’s team of dedicated experts are on hand to offer hints and support on fundraising and training from the moment participants sign up.