Cyclists from all over UK do bike fundraiser the Viking Challenge at Redmile

With the sun shining for a change, the mighty cycled their way through the beautiful scenery of the Vale of Belvoir.

The 30/55km cycle challenge, which starts and finishes at Redmile Primary School was the 24th annual event. The money raised through both the entry fees and sponsorship money, will be given to the school and its charity partner Reach.

Jane Noad, chair of the organising committee, said: “It was just a lovely day with all participants riding safely, enjoying themselves and having fun. We listened to feedback from last year and created a new route, which hopefully provided a few new obstacles for the riders to conquer.

“The food stops were as popular as always with cakes, chocolates, bananas and pork pies all being eaten across the course, with one rider even bringing his own pot of mustard for it. We believe the added addition of not one, but two pub stops, (The Wheel at Branston and The Dirty Duck at Woolsthorpe) along the way provided a refreshing change for those who needed replenishment.”

The Viking Challenge attracts cyclists from across the country such as father and son Evan and Daniel Flockart who rose at 4.30am to drive from their home in Suffolk to ride in the event. Closer to home, from Redmile’s neighbouring village Stathern, Jack Bloor (11), and Ivan Underwood (12), rode the Viking Challenge for the first time. Pete Foreman and Jason Pegg bravely rode the course on a tandem constructed especially for the day, and Redmile School governors Simon Lagoe and Sarah Glendinning also completed the 55km course.

Mrs Julie Hopkins, head teacher at Redmile Primary School, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped organise this year’s event, especially the marshals and team behind the scenes who volunteer their time to make it such a brilliant success.”