Get saddled up for 2020 cycle challenge

Sunderland AFC’s official charity, Foundation of Light announced the 2020 destination of its annual International Cycle Challenge at an information evening held at the Beacon of Light. More than 30 prospective riders attended the information evening where they learned about the event which is planned for 3rd – 8th June. The ninth challenge will see cyclists take on 274 miles travelling from Pisa to Rome in Italy including 20,500 feet of climbing. Since the start of the challenge over £300,000 has been raised for community programmes helping local people in the region. With stunning scenery throughout, the majority of the ride will be through Tuscany, before the ride will finish in Lazio. Previous Cycle Challenges have seen the team ride from Dublin to Sunderland; across Italy from Pisa to Venice; commemorating the 70th anniversary of World War Two by cycling 320 miles from Brussels to Paris; travelling coast to coast in the Atlantic to Mediterranean challenge and most recently Switzerland to France.

We have cycled through Italy previously but never the east coast.  The response we have received from the open evening has been great and I would urge anyone who is interested to get in touch.

Jemma Dowson, Head of Events at Foundation of Light

For the ninth year Grafton Group plc will be sponsoring the International Cycle Challenge. To take part in the event cyclists are asked to pay a non-returnable £250 deposit and raise a further £1,450.  Flights, transfers, accommodation and refreshments are included.