Celtic cycle challenge raises £53,000 for Transaid

Executives from the transport and logistics industry pedalled more than 330km across Wales and Ireland this weekend, conquering hills and negotiating steep descents, raising £53,000 for international development charity, Transaid.

The 30 riders set off on Friday 18 September from Carmarthen, covering the shortest distance of the three days, to finish in Fishguard and catch a ferry to the port town of Rosslare, Ireland. Day two saw the group travelling 120km from Wexford to Carlow, with a short stop in Bunclody beside the River Slaney.

The final day’s ride on Sunday took the challengers 130km through areas of outstanding natural beauty, including Glendalough – or ‘valley of the two lakes’ as it is otherwise known – and the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park, which saw the group contending with steep gradients and pouring rain. The group finished the cycle at Dublin’s Trinity College before enjoying a well-deserved celebratory meal in the city.

Money raised from the event will provide vital unrestricted funds towards Transaid’s projects, improving the lives of people in Africa by implementing emergency transport systems and expanding access to healthcare and livelihoods.

Gary Forster, CEO of Transaid, says: “Cycling 350km across hilly Welsh and Irish countryside is no mean feat and I would like to congratulate the riders on their determination and for making this year’s European ride such a success. It was great to see some familiar faces back for another year and to welcome new riders who were looking for a challenge and to raise funds for such a worthy cause.”

The event was sponsored by uTrack, a management software provider for the bus and coach industry and included participants from companies including Arthur J Gallagher, Backhouse Jones Solicitors, Centrad, Clipper Group, Delin Capital, ITSO, Malcolm Logistics, Transaid, uTrack, Wolseley UK, XPO Logistics and XPO Transport Services.