The second annual Ride with Brad cyclosportive took place in Lancashire yesterday [Sunday 11 August]. Over 1000 participants took part, many having the opportunity to ride with Sir Bradley Wiggins and fellow Olympic Champions Laura Trott and Dani King, all in support of the Bradley Wiggins Foundation.
The event, organised by Pennine Events, built on the huge success of last year’s inaugural Ride with Brad. This year, riders could choose one of three routes; 160km, 100km and 50km, all of which were based on Wiggins’ favourite training roads.
A cycle show and festival of sport, was also held at the Event Village in Barnoldswick to ensure that fans and family and friends of those riding the event remained entertained throughout the day. Activities on offer included sports taster sessions and circus skills workshops, as well as rider hospitality, which was provided by local holiday rentals company Cottages4you.
Taking on the scenic 100km route, Wiggins spent time talking to the other riders and fans on the course, sharing words of encouragement. He was overwhelmed with the number of people who turned out to support the ride.
Sir Bradley Wiggins said: “It’s great to see so many people out on the roads supporting the event and the foundation; this is what cycling is all about.”
He continued: “Our goal is to use the event to raise awareness, and importantly, funds so that the foundation can continue to support and help give opportunities in both grassroots and elite sport.”
Wiggins started the event with Wiggle-Honda riders Dani King, Laura Trott and Rochelle Gilmore. Also joining them on the start line was An Post rider Kieran Frend, who has been supported by the Bradley Wiggins Foundation. Team Wiggle-Honda, launched back in January by Rochelle Gilmore, also benefits from funding by the Bradley Wiggins Foundation.
Laura Trott said: “It was pretty hilly but it was a good day, I enjoyed it. It’s just a really good day to get involved in and we’re really thankful for the involvement that Brad and the foundation have had in the team. It’s great to see so many people out there which was really nice.”
Dani King said: “We started the ride with Brad which was good because everyone was saying ‘Hi’ to all of us as we were going past. It was a great atmosphere and a great day. It’s great to have Bradley on board supporting us; he’s such a fantastic role model to have. I think it’s nice that he’s supporting women’s cycling as well, being such an inspiring cyclist. We’re doing the ride to say thanks and it’s good to be a part of.”
For more information on Ride With Brad, please visit http://www.ridewithbrad.com
Photo credit: Rick Robson