The organisers of the iconic Fred Whitton Challenge, long established as among the most fearsome cyclosportives in the UK, have announced a partnership with Human Race, the UK arm of Tour de France owners ASO.
The 2017 edition of the Fred Whitton Challenge takes place this weekend in Grasmere, Cumbria. In a statement announcing the deal, Human Race said: "The guardians of the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge and the Lakes Road Club have decided, after nurturing the legend of Fred through this iconic sportive since 1999, to team up with mass event organisers Human Race, owned by Le Tour de France owners Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), to help continue to develop the event for many years to come."
The Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge will join an impressive roster of cycling events delivered by Human Race, whose sportive portfolio already includes the Dragon Ride, the Chiltern 100 Cycling Festival and the Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride which took place last weekend.
Established in 1999, the Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge is an epic 112-mile ride that takes in many of the toughest passes in the Lake District including Hardknott and Honister. The event has built a formidable reputation not only for putting cyclists over some of the most gruelling climbs in the UK, but also for its breathtaking scenery.
Often referred to simply as "The Fred", the challenge sells out each year as 2,500 cyclists gather to test their legs and raise funds for the event's chosen charities. Over the years, riders have contributed more than £1.25 million in fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, The Mountain Rescue, Air Ambulance, and various youth cycling projects.
All the more impressive is the fact that, until now, the event has been organised by a steering group of volunteers, led by Paul 'Lofty' Loftus. The team have delivered a world class sportive, working alongside huge amounts of local support and love to give it the personality that makes it so famous.
With this Human Race deal, the Steering Group say they have "decided to pass on the organisation to an organiser whose proven passion and expertise in cycling and other mass participation events, should help the event develop for many years to come - whilst also committing to the charitable ethos the event has always maintained.
"After discussions with Human Race and legal representatives a formal contract has been agreed which as mentioned keeps our ethos and our charitable commitments without any compromise but will it is believed further develop the Challenge."
Immediate input from Human Race into the 2017 edition will mean the event will be broadcast on the Bike Channel, enabling a wider audience to marvel at the astonishing feat of human endeavour that thousands take on each year.
Paul Loftus, MBE President of the Fred Whitton Challenge said: "Myself, the Steering Group and the Lake Road Club are excited that the future of the Challenge has been secured for years to come. We feel that in teaming up with Human Race we have a partner that will respect the ideals that we have achieve over the years with the event, and that we can still now raise money for all the charity's that we have successfully supported in the past.
"Never in our wildest dreams did we think that we would be in this position today where we would have to ballot riders for places in the event, and that the organisers of Le Tour De France are aware of our event in Cumbria. Fred would be smiling, and would probably have used his famous phrase: "A Good Effort".
"A big thank you should go to all the sponsors that have generously supported us over the years, and the fantastic help we receive from our large band of volunteers, without them it would never happen."
Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race said: "At Human Race, we are delighted and honoured to form this partnership with Fred's wife, Lynn, and the Steering group behind this iconic ride.
"We've been involved with many superb sportives over the years but none with as much personality and love behind the scenes as the Fred Whitton Challenge. Anyone who calls themselves a rider, or who loves a great adventure and challenge on two wheels should do this event."
2017 will see Saddleback support the Fred Whitton Challenge for an eighth consecutive year. Andy Wigmore, Saddleback Managing Director added: "We have looked forward to every event over the years, and our team has always given their all to assist and support in every way possible. We have invested a lot of time into the event and we are very proud to be working alongside Paul and his team. To be involved and see the event welcome new partners, Human Race, is exciting for all involved, but the riders especially."
The 2017 edition of the Fred Whitton Challenge takes place on Sunday 7 May. For more information visit the event website at www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk.
Read our report on riding the 2016 edition of the Fred Whitton Challenge here.
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