Action Medical Research Launches 2010 Rides at Cycle Show

An exciting new programme of challenge rides is being launched by national charity Action Medical Research at the Cycle Show at London's Earl's Court (8-11 October). The charity's packed Take Action 2010 schedule features more than 20 events, catering for both seasoned cyclists and recreational riders.

Heading up the programme is the charity's flagship London to Paris tour, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010. This popular 300-mile ride is already the biggest of its kind in the charity sector and will feature a new, three-day, faster route for 2010. Around 750 cyclists, across five different routes, will leave the capital on 21 and 22 July. They arrive in Paris a day ahead of the final stage of the Tour de France and ride in convoy down the Champs Elysees to finish at the Eiffel Tower before the professional cyclists arrive.

Closer to home, the Take Action 100 series of one-day regional UK rides now offers 17 graded events in stunning locations, including seven new ones. The majority offer both a 100-mile and 100km option.

Additions to the series include the charity's first ride in Wales, the Brecons 100, offering some testing climbs and fast descents in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons, and the Sheffield 100 taking place in the beautiful Peak District. The Cross-Border 100 is a new event with a difference - participants choose from two start points, one in England, the other in Scotland and meet in the middle on the Coldstream Bridge to exchange some friendly banter.

Also new to the series is the Peterborough 100, the Down 100 in Northern Ireland, the Winchester 100 taking in the New Forest and the Action Arrows 100, setting out from Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire.

The toughest challenge in the Take Action calendar will be the second RIDE24 endurance relay. This year's inaugural event saw 25 teams of four spend 24 hours racing in the saddle. Inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorsports race, the event takes place at Dunsfold aerodrome in Surrey, home of the Top Gear test track. The coveted RIDE24 trophy is won by the team that completes the most laps, and therefore travels furthest, in 24 hours. Last year's competitors received their medals from Olympic road race champion Nicole Cooke, who is Cycling Ambassador for the charity.

Nicole says: "To be involved with a charity that works tirelessly to make a difference and seeks to stop suffering in children makes me very proud. Action Medical Research is about excellence and achievement through the work it funds. This excellence is also apparent in the challenging events the charity encourages everyday cyclists to get involved with. Action has a passion for cycling which is second to none. I would encourage all to get involved, get on a bike and take on something amazing."

Action Medical Research is a leading UK charity focusing on children's health. Cyclists participating in its events raise money to help fund vital work that aims to prevent, cure or treat conditions that devastate the lives of many thousands of babies and children and their families. The charity is currently funding research into many serious diseases and conditions, including meningitis, pneumonia, cerebral palsy and premature birth, as well as supporting the development of new treatments and aids to improve the quality of life for disabled children.

For more information about the Action Medical Research cycling programme, visit stand F14. Alternatively, visit the website www.action.org.uk/takeaction.