Follow britishcycling.org.uk on

RIDE24 gains Race Across America qualifying status

Posted: 3rd June 2011

RIDE24 has become the first UK track event to gain Race Across America (RAAM) qualifier status for solo riders looking to prove they are good enough to take on the world-famous ultra-endurance cycling race.

Organised annually by children's charity Action Medical Research and operated under British Cycling technical regulations, RIDE24 is the UK's only 24-hour cycling endurance track event. This year's ride takes place at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit in Sussex on 18 and 19 June and is still open for final registrations.

RIDE24 sees participants compete to travel the greatest distance in 24 hours. The event is open to both teams and solo riders, with winners in each of the following categories: four-man team, six-man team, mixed-sex team, all-female team, veterans and solo rider. It is backed by IG Markets, the leading provider of Contracts for Difference, and will be attended by cycling legend Chris Boardman.

RAAM is a non-stop, 3,000 mile, coast-to-coast ride, which usually takes at least eight days for the fittest and fastest riders to complete. Action Medical Research supporter Chris Armishaw, from Billericay, is the first rider signed up to attempt the RAAM qualifying standard in this year's RIDE24 event. The 46-year-old plans to take on RAAM in 2012 to try and raise £50,000 for the charity, which helps fund vital medical research into conditions affecting babies and children.

RAAM's Race Director, Fred Boethling said: "We are delighted to include RIDE24 as a UK qualifying event for Race Across America. Riding for 24 hours non-stop should give solo participants a very small idea of what they will need to put themselves through should they brave the challenge of RAAM."

The winning RIDE24 four-man team will also secure themselves a free place in the French 24 Heures Velo event at the legendary Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans, and Swiss watchmaker Roamer will present a watch to the rider who completes the fastest lap.

For more information and to register, visit www.action.org.uk/R24. Alternatively, contact Sarah Stevenson on 01273 735788 or sarahs@action.org.uk.