Cure Parkinson’s Raid Local 2021
On Sunday 27 June over 300 Cure Parkinson’s supporters from across the world jumped in the saddle to take on the charity’s Raid Local 2021: Ventoux! cycling challenge, raising awareness and over £53,000 for Parkinson’s research.
In the second instalment of Raid Local, participants were invited to take on a challenge inspired by Mont Ventoux, ‘The Beast of Provence’. Some of our suggested rides included taking on the equivalent ascent of Mont Ventoux, (an astonishing 1,639m), or half of Mont Ventoux (820m). Those that wanted to go the extra mile, or rather the extra metre, could take on the infamous Club des Cinglés challenge, riding at least 4,443m ascent and 136.6km distance – not for the faint-hearted!
Our riders could also get creative and plan their own challenge to tackle on the day and we have loved seeing the results!
Our team of superstar riders included:
Supporter Bob Cutting completed an epic 100km cycle with 878m of ascent around Buckinghamshire.
Simon Bland who, with his friends, cycled the equivalent distance and ascent of Mont Ventoux in the Welsh Hills. Simon was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018.
Stuart Williams cycled a total of 93.8km with 1,689m of ascent across the Lincolnshire Wolds in memory of his father David.
Rider Steve Boote, inspired by his father-in-law Stuart, took to the Cotswolds and rode 138.87km and 4513m of ascent in just under eight hours!
Our ‘Kings of the Distance’ Ian Biller and Ed Hems really went large and rode an incredible 287km with 5350m of ascent across Buckinghamshire.
Cure Parkinson’s Patron Mike Tindall lead a team of over 200 riders on the virtual cycling platform Zwift.
It is Andrew Walker who must take the well-deserved title of ‘King of the Mountains’ as he covered an incredible 130.87km and 6,430m ascent on the day. That is the equivalent of cycling up The Shard over 20 times
Cure Parkinson’s CEO Will Cook also took part, riding a spectacular 208km with over 4000m of ascent.
“My Raid Local was certainly a challenge: 10 hours in the saddle really focuses the mind. I continue to be inspired by an amazing group of people, especially those with Parkinson’s, who take on endurance challenges to raise funds for this wonderful charity. Respect and thanks to all the riders in Raid Local 2021, whether on local roads or on Zwift, and their sponsors and supporters. With your help, we will find a cure.”
The online version of this event was once again hosted by Zwift, offering supporters the chance to take part from their own homes. At 8am, Cure Parkinson’s Patron Mike Tindall led a virtual peloton of 200 riders from nine countries including the UK, USA and even Japan to take on the infamous Mont Ventoux. Cure Parkinson’s would like to thank both Zwift and Mike for being involved.
We were also thrilled to have the phenomenal ‘Drops Le Col’ women’s cycling team take part, as they tallied their miles for the event while racing in the CiCLE Classic event on the day. Huge thanks to April Tacey, Emily Meakin and Lizzy Bennett for taking part. We’d also like to thank Frankie Hall from the Loughborough Lightening Cycling team who supported the event while taking part in the iconic race.
Thank you to all our riders who took part this year. We have loved seeing your pictures from the day and have been blown away by your determination and generosity. All funds raised will go towards our pioneering research into a cure for Parkinson’s.
We would like to thank Le Col for creating the striking Jersey of Hope, our official 2021 cycling jersey. It has been wonderful seeing our supporters wearing it while taking on their challenges!
Thanks also to all our generous sponsors: 4D Life, AEGIS, AJIPS, Alethia, AQ Construction Services Ltd, Atrium Underwriters Limited, Barcapel Foundation, Bonhams, Boston Consulting Group, Bray & Krais, Butchers Pet Care, Christchurch IM, Clear Storage, Cloyda Care Home, Dar Lighting, Diney Costeloe, First Capital, Grandad Pat, Graphical Agency, Jonny Tours, Laurie Pembroke, Le Col, Levmet, Life Cover, LSH, Marks and Clerk, Marmot, Montgomery’s Cheddar, Niftylift, Physique, Profoil, Sentient Communications, ALITUR, Simmons and Simmons, SixDegrees, Smith Pollock Foundation, Symphony Cycling, The Chapar and Wordley Law.
Finally, it is not too late to support Cure Parkinson’s Raid Local 2021: Ventoux! You can still make a donation:
