CHARITY CHALLENGE FOR NORTH EAST CYCLISTS

Foundation of Light will be taking on the mountains of Switzerland and Eastern France next year in their annual International Cycle Challenge. The annual event raises money to help people in need across Wearside through Foundation of Light’s life-changing programmes. The eighth instalment of the challenge will take on a route from Switzerland to the Vosges mountains in Eastern France, covering 268 miles in four days from 16^th-21^st June, 2019. To take part in the event cyclists are asked to pay a non-returnable £250 deposit and fundraise a further £1,400. This covers costs including flights, accommodation, meals and minor cycle repairs along the route.

We’re very excited about next year’s challenge which takes in some beautiful scenery along a route less travelled by cycling groups. Our International Cycle Challenge is one of our favourite events and the feedback we get every year from those who take part is fantastic. During the ride, friendships are forged, memories made, and goals accomplished, and we’d welcome enquiries from anyone considering taking part.

Jemma Dowson, Foundation of Light Event Manager

Every year the Sunderland AFC charity takes a group of 40 riders overseas to complete a four-day cycling challenge. Previous Foundation Cycle Challenges routes have included Brussels to Paris, Dublin to Sunderland and Wroclaw to Prague, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for North East communities. For further information about Foundation of Light’s International Cycle Challenge contact Jemma Dowson on 0191 5634735 or email jemma.dowson@foundationoflight.co.uk The International Cycle Challenge is sponsored by Grafton Group plc.   Route details: Day 1: Ferney Volatire to Pontarlier 74 miles, +5,800ft, -4,450ft   Day 2: Pontarlier to Belfort 80 miles, +4,400ft, -6,000ft   Day 3: Belfort to Gerardmer 57 miles, +6,150ft, -5,100ft   Day 4: Gerardmer to Mulhouse 58 miles, +4,100ft, -5,500ft