Viking Challenge attracts 700 cyclists to a muddy Vale of Belvoir

The Viking Challenge returned with 700 cyclists conquering the charity off–road cycle event this month.

With some rain in the weeks ahead of the event and a heavy downpour the day before, the mud returned to the course as the riders cycled across the beautiful scenery of the Vale of Belvoir on Sunday, October 1.

The volunteer-led event has always been a key fundraiser for Redmile CE Primary School. Entrants complete a 65km, 55km or 30km circuit, which starts and finishes at the school.

This year the money raised, through entry fees and donations, will be for the school and the local Nottinghamshire charity Reach. The route is off-road and provides plenty of opportunities to get muddy.

Although the event is not a race the fastest times of the day were:

65k – The Mega Viking: Billy Reed 2hr 22m He replaced his dad who had previously been in the top eight of riders from 2010 to 2022

55k – The Big Viking: Mick Burton 2hr 15m

30k – The original Viking: Andrew Morton 1hr 38m

Chris and Karen Crawford returned for the fifth time to complete the course on their tandem, but with one of the route changes meant they got stuck in a rut at one point.

Jane Noad, chair of the organising committee, said: “It was great to see the mud return to the Viking Challenge as 2022 was the hottest and driest event we had had to date.

“We saw lots of muddy bikes, faces and legs return after the challenge. A big thank you to our huge team of volunteers who were incredible in making the event happen this year, with 90 marshals and 60 volunteers. Next year is our 30th anniversary and we can’t wait to celebrate with some route changes.”

A number of pupils from Redmile CE Primary School tackled the challenge with their parents. The Viking Challenge is a family focused event that brings the local community together as well as many others from all over the country.

The Viking Challenge attracts cyclists from across the country travelling from as far away as Liverpool, York and County Durham. Steve Copeland returned once again in his own private plane from Jerez, Spain travelling 2,245 miles to take part in the event.

Many riders return each year to take on the challenge, with one rider having completed 28 of the 29 events that have take place since 1995.

Redmile headteacher Alison Longden said, “Year after year, we are delighted to welcome the Viking Challenge riders to the Vale. This year, we saw a number of familiar faces and some new riders who have pledged to return again next year.

“Riders are so appreciative and even thankful for the mud! Special thanks to everyone who volunteered their time before, during and after the event; we couldn’t have done it without you! The money raised from this year’s event will support the many trips we have planned for the children and a virtual reality experience.”

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There will be an announcement about the funds raised from the 2023 event at a presentation event in January 2024.

The Viking Challenge has raised a total of £515,000 for Redmile school and its charity partners since 1995.

Last year, the event was able to donate £20,500 to charities.