One of the region’s biggest charity cycling events returned as a fleet of fundraising cyclists got back in the saddle to raise thousands for major charities and personal causes.
The Starley Sportive saw 470 riders register to saddle up on the day and raise more than £9,000 for local charities including The Myton Hospices, Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice and University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire Charity.
The event, which is organised by the Deeley Group, Coventry Road Club and Coventry City Council, was supported by more than 50 volunteers, including 23 City Hosts, and saw more than 20 local companies and organisations donate items, time and money to support the event.
This included JLN Plumbing & Heating which rescued five riders left stranded around the route due to mechanical breakdowns.
The Starley Sportive returned after a one year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions and riders enjoyed performances from local singers Richard Keogh, Vintage Celina Rose and Ruth Kelly, with Coventry artist Matt Casey creating a painting of professional cyclist Mark Cavendish for a prize draw too.
It raises funds for charities and local causes primarily through entry fees, but received a significant boost this year with more than 25 riders carrying out a sponsorship drive to raise extra funds.
Riders took in the glorious views and winding roads of the south Warwickshire countryside after setting off from the Deeley Group’s George House head office on Herald Avenue, Coventry.
The short 28.6 mile route took riders towards Hatton, while those attempting the long route headed past Snitterfield and towards Alcester before returning to George House.
And the epic 86.5 miles route saw riders venture as far as the northern-most part of the Cotswolds where riders faced a challenging hill climb.
Ian Court, Racing Secretary at Coventry Road Club, said: “It was great to see people getting back out on the road in such strong numbers. Everyone who took part can be proud of their effort after another impressive day of fundraising.
“We’d also like to thank everyone involved in organising and facilitating this year’s ride as the event could not have been such a success without them.
“Providing there are no interruptions next year, we are setting our sights on hosting our biggest ever event so keep an eye out for announcements.”
Edward Hudson, Business Development Manager at the Deeley Group, said: “It’s great to be reminded of how sport and cycling bring people together like this, especially after last year’s event had to be cancelled.
“We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their support in making this year’s event such a success and hope to see all those who took part and many more at next year’s Starley Sportive.”
For more information visit www.starleysportive.co.uk
Caption: Cyclists at the start of the 2021 Starley Sportive.