Former World and European Eventing Champion Zara Tindall has been confirmed as one of the special guests joining Cycle4Caroline this Saturday 30 November. She will also be joined by showjumping stars Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale, as well as William Fox-Pitt, who was a part of the silver medal-winning team at the London 2012 Olympic Games alongside Zara.
The core group of nine cyclists — led by Badminton and Burghley winner Piggy March and including double Olympic gold medallist Ian Stark plus multi-medalled Holly Woodhead — are expecting to be joined by up to 100 cyclists for the final leg to The Savoy in Central London.
The 1,100km (683.5 miles) cycling marathon, which started over a week ago at Blair Castle in Scotland, has raised over £145,000 so far. The team’s target is half a million pounds, which will be split between Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust.
Joe Stockdale said Spinal Research is a charity “close to home” as his late father, the great Tim Stockdale, broke his neck in a fall during his illustrous showjumping career, from which he recovered and returned to riding.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the Cycle4Caroline,” added Joe. “I’m sure our competitive edge will come out as well to see who can get to the Savoy quickest.”
Jack Whitaker added: “I am really excited and up for the challenge riding a bike from Windsor to the Savoy in London. I’m normally at home riding horses, not bikes, so it might get interesting! It is for a great cause and hopefully we can raise as much money as possible for Spinal Research.”
The London leg
The final leg 60km from Windsor to Central London will start at Ditton Park before cycling past Windsor Castle and following the River Thames past Hampton Court Palace.
Cyclists will pass iconic London landmarks like Battersea Power Station, the Palace of Westminster and the London Eye before arriving at The Savoy in time for afternoon tea.
The challenge culminates that evening with the BE Support Trust Winter Ball, hosted by The Savoy.
About Cycle4Caroline
The challenge is undertaken in memory of Caroline March, who died through assisted suicide in March two years after suffering life-changing injuries in a cross-country fall.
“We’re really focused on making Cycle4Caroline a success. If we can make a difference to the lives of others that will make all the work worthwhile,” said her brother Tom March, who is married to Piggy and also taking part in the challenge.
“Caroline’s life was completely transformed by her spinal injury, and she really believed in the need to pursue scientific advances to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.”
Donate to Cycle4Caroline online
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Main image of Zara Tindall and Class Affair at the first horse inspection of the 2024 Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024 is courtesy of Defender Burghley/Peter Nixon
