Entries for the 2014 Deloitte Ride Across Britain have opened weeks after organisers declared the 2013 event the best yet.
The fifth running of the event, from September 6 to September 14 2014, reverts to the traditional south to north direction.
It is hoped running it later in the year and riding from Land’s End to John O’Groats will give riders the best chance of completing the classic 969-mile ‘End to End’ in just nine days.
Since launching in 2009, the Ride Across Britain has raised £1.38million for the British Paralympic Association – the benefiting charity chosen by title sponsor Deloitte.
Tim Reddish, chairman of the BPA and a four-time RAB rider, said: “I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has raised money for the British Paralympic Association through taking on this epic challenge.
“London 2012 may have been and gone, but our journey is only just beginning as we work hard to maximise the momentum of London and continue to support the athletes aiming for Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016.”
Organisers say this year’s ride was the most successful yet. Club cyclists and challenge-seeking novices were joined by a number of Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes, and also England rugby stars including Lewis Moody and Danny Grewcock.
Heptathlete Kelly Sotherton said of this year’s ride: “I honestly didn’t think I was going to make it after day four, but now the tears have turned to happiness, it’s such an emotive journey cycling across the whole country.
“I’m very pleased and proud that I’ve made it, especially with the team that I started out with in John O’Groats. I couldn’t be happier.”
Modern pentathlete Heather Fell added: “It’s been an amazing experience, I’ve loved every minute. I’m sad it’s over.”
Organisers Threshold Sports offer support packages for all riders involved with high quality food, and medical, mechanical and emotional support. The event boasts a completion rate of more than 94 per cent.
Next year’s ride has a lower entry fee of £1,600 for the full course, and those wanting to get involved are advised to pay their £250 deposit as soon as possible, with places limited to 700.
Following a successful launch last year, five-day England and four-day Scotland packages are also available.
The former, costing £1,150 per person, covers 527 miles from Land’s End, through the Welsh borders and the Lakes to the iconic Shap Fell, running from September 6 to September 10.
The latter, a 442-mile ride from Penrith to John O’Groats along remote roads in the Highlands, around Loch Ness and up to the Orkneys, runs from September 11 to September 14 and costs £950 per person.
For more information and to sign up for the 2014 Ride, visit www.rideacrossbritain.com
