Keen cyclists are invited to apply for coveted places in one of the nation’s biggest cycling challenges in support of Weston Hospicecare.

The charity has a limited number of places for the RideLondon 100 for riders wishing to take part in 2019 in aid of the charity.

RideLondon is the UK’s biggest cycling event of the calendar year and its flagship 100-mile race attracted more than 26,000 riders in 2018, including the hospice’s chief executive Paul Winspear.

This year the 100-mile race will take place on Sunday 4 August and the festival will span across the weekend.

The hospice has a limited number of places to fill for the main event as part of the ‘ride for a charity’ option offered by the organisers.

After the race last year Paul described the experience as a ‘test of determination’ as a result of challenging weather conditions on the day.

Describing the finish, he said: “The red road stretched out in front of us like a welcoming red carpet.

“I’d been hoping for a time of under six hours but in the context of the event, as it unfolded in 2018, it’s meaningless.

“You don’t take part in RideLondon to see how quick you can go, there are other events for that, especially not in the rain. It was not a test of fitness in the end, but it was definitely a test of determination.

“Would I recommend the event? Definitely! Go for it, and remember to ride for the hospice.”

The organisers of the event are inundated with entry requests each year which means they have to adopt a ballot system for cyclists wanting to take part. If successful, riders are charged £69 to take part.

The hospice, along with charities across the nation, receives a limited number of additional entries for people wishing to take part.

Those selected to ride on behalf of the hospice will need to secure their place with a £50 deposit shortly after agreeing to take part and must pledge at least £450 in donations.

Those eager to take part need to email simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk as soon as possible to express their interest. To read Paul’s full blog visit www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/paulsride100/.