The challenge is a 1,200 miles ride around Britain. Not much of a challenge you would think, only Nigel intends to do it on a bicycle in 13 days, without a days rest. Added to this, each day, the team will also attend, major events that are being organised around the country, through sponsors and in UK Youth’s network of youth local programmes and newly formed bike clubs.
To put this into perspective – the Tour de France covers 2,200 miles, which the riders complete in 21 days AND take a two day rest in the middle! This is not your normal sponsored bike ride, this is a challenge Nigel has set himself to focus the public’s attention on the work of UK Youth and to launch their ‘Positive about Youth’ campaign that seeks to encourage the public to adopt a more positive attitude to young people.
Nigel is approaching this new challenge with a familiar determination, despite a back he has broken three times, numerous breaks to hands, feet and legs and doctors advising him strongly not to undertake it.
“This is UK Youth’s centenary year and I want to do something really challenging to mark it.” said Nigel. “We are one of the largest youth charities in the UK and every day we challenge young people to do all sorts of new and exciting things in order to raise their aspirations and realize their potential – so I want to do something demanding as well and in doing so encourage everyone to be more supportive of young people at a time when they are suffering more than most in the recession..”
Leo and Greg will be joining their father on the Challenge and train with him as many days as they can. Greg is also busy competing in the World Series by Renault and both brothers are joining their father in this year’s 24hr Le Mans race, 12th -13th June. This too is a first for motorsport, as never before has a father and his two suns competed in a team together at a motorsport event, let alone in the prestigious Le Mans 24 hr race.
In order to gain the correct level of fitness Magnus Backstedt is overseeing all aspects of the family’s training. Magnus Backstedt, known to his fans as Big Maggy, due to his Viking like frame, is as well known within the cycling community as Nigel is in motorsport. Maggy’s greatest achievement was a win in the 2004 Paris-Roubaix race and having retired from professional racing, now concentrates on supporting young people to succeed in a cycling career. It was Maggy who suggested that if the guys wanted a real challenge, then this was the one, and he is taking the role of leader and point in the Peloton formation throughout the 13-day challenge.
Magnus comments “This will be a true test for me as well, as I will have to not only keep up the pace for 13 days for myself, but also monitor on my bike’s onboard computer how well the others are doing, so I can maximise the best from them and ensure we make the whole 13 days in time”
As part of their training programme, the Peloton have entered the London to Paris challenge. 24th -27th June. The team are intending to ride at a pace they will need to accomplish over the challenge, and so will be a real test of their fitness and ability.
To help the Peloton succeed in their challenge, Nigel and the guys will be riding state of the art hand made racing bikes from Wilier. With light carbon fibre monocoque frames and electronic gearing, these bikes are the pinnacle of cycles, in the same way an F1 car is at the pinnacle of motorsport technology.
The challenge is to be launched on June 7th at MotorExpo, Canary Wharf, with Nigel flying back from Le Mans’ practice, to attend a press conference with Magnus Backstedt, to answer all media questions. The ride will feature prominently throughout the MotorExpo event with a stand and interactive exhibits.
There are a number of events along the route where local clubs and businesses have arranged a day of activities. The key stopping points along the route so far are:
- Cardiff
- Chester
- Worcester
- Chester
- Manchester
- Blackpool
- Carlisle
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Hexham
- Harrogate
- Lincoln
- Leicester
- Silverstone
- Leighton Linslade
