Julio signs up for Cycle Challenge

Sunderland AFC cult hero Julio Arca will tackle a 250-mile cycle challenge this summer to raise vital funds for Foundation of Light. The skilful Argentinian, who made over 140 appearances for the Black Cats during his six seasons on Wearside, joins 40 cycling enthusiasts on the Foundation's #CroatianCoastal ride from Dubrovnik to Split in June. And Julio, now pulling the strings in midfield for treble promotion winning South Shields FC, is calling on fans to support the team's fundraising efforts by donating to his JustGiving page.

I'm really looking forward to the Croatian Coastal. I'm coming off the back of a tough but successful season with South Shields but I can't wait to join up with the Foundation team and get started. I'm not much of a cyclist if I'm honest, but I'm always up for a challenge. There's going to be great camaraderie among the group, beautiful scenery along the way and we're raising money to help those in need across the North East.

Julio Arca

One of the Foundation's most popular fundraising events, this will be the first time the charity has taken the annual Cycle Challenge to Croatia. Previous routes have included Brussels to Paris, Dublin to Sunderland and Wroclaw to Prague, and have raised over £200,000 for North East communities. Jemma Garrett, Events Manager at Foundation of Light, added: "The International Cycle Challenge is the high point of our events calendar and every year it gets better and better. We are delighted Julio has signed up for this year's ride. "He will definitely help motivate our cyclists and I'm sure Sunderland, Middlesbrough and South Shields fans will be following his progress with great interest." The 2018 Challenge will take place from 13th-18th June 2018 and is sponsored by Grafton Group plc, and supported by logistics experts OSE European.