Cycling challenge raises £4,000 for motor neurone disease charity

Hundreds of cyclists have raised £4,000 for motor neurone disease research and support by taking part in a charity ride from Longleat.

The Lionheart Sportive returned on Sunday 11th October after a decade away, with 300 cyclists choosing between 100-mile and 100-kilometre routes through the hilly Wiltshire and Somerset countryside. The event was organised by Frome cycling shop Pronto Bikes.

This year’s ride raised money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which funds research into motor neurone disease (MND) and supports people affected by the condition. MND is a rare, progressive disease that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

 

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The organisers chose the foundation after former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, who has MND, visited Pronto Bikes and spoke about his connection to the charity.

Pronto Bikes owner and event organiser Kate Hoy said, “We are proud to be supporting this charity which is also supported by Sir Chris Hoy.

“Ed Clancy, a world champion and Olympic gold medallist for track cycling was at the event with a company called CAMS, which can help cyclists get back on the road after an accident.

“On the day there was a real joyful atmosphere. People were in really good spirits, the weather was kind to us, there were lots of smiles and there was a real sense of achievement and accomplishment on the day.”

One of the highlights was the climb up Kingsettle Hill, near Alfred’s Tower, which was a timed section of the route.

Kate said, “Kingsettle Hill was actually a timed segment and there were people lined along there with cowbells. Some people were dressed as lions helping to push people up. It was a great atmosphere.”

Nathan Hallet recorded the fastest men’s time up the hill, completing the climb in three minutes and nine seconds, while Penelope Boyle recorded the fastest women’s time in four minutes and 47 seconds.

Kate and her husband opened Pronto Bikes in Frome six years ago and have helped build the town’s cycling community. The Lionheart Sportive was a regular fixture in the local cycling calendar between 2011 and 2016 before returning this year under the new organisers.