Some of the biggest names in the eventing world are swopping four legs for two wheels in a 1,100km charity cycle ride in memory of talented rider Caroline March.
Cycle4Caroline has been launched by leading eventer Piggy March and her husband Tom – Caroline’s brother – and aims to raise £500,000 for Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust.
Caroline, 31, from Colchester in Essex, tragically died by assisted suicide in March two years after suffering life-changing injuries in a cross-country fall.
The epic ten-day ride will start on November 20 at Blair Castle, Perthshire, and will take in prestigious eventing venues including Bramham, Chatsworth, Burghley, Blenheim and Badminton.
Tom said: “We’re really focused on making Cycle4Caroline a success. I’m looking forward to the whole challenge and being able to achieve something positive in Caroline’s memory for the benefit of others. If we can make a difference to the lives of others that will make all the work worthwhile.
“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.
“Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord and so was the right fit to try to achieve a positive change in Caroline’s memory.”
Tom and Piggy will complete the full 1,100km ride with a core team of cyclists including BE Support Trust Patron and three-time Olympian Ian Stark OBE and multi-medallist Holly Woodhead.
Additional stars from the equestrian and sporting world will join individual journey legs – which range from 69km to 142km. They will include members of the Team GB’s 2024 gold medal-winning Olympic team, former Olympians, World and European Champions.
Piggy March said: “I hate getting on a bike, its uncomfortable and there’s just too many hills in this country! So mentally and physically it’s going to be fairly hideous.
“I keep saying whose idea was this and it’s probably mine. But when I’m going up one of those hills thinking why am I doing this or I can’t do this, I’ll also be thinking I have legs that work.
“Over the last year we’ve all needed to recognise just how fortunate we are for what we’ve got.”
"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. Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord and so was the right fit to try to achieve a positive change in Caroline’s memory.”
Tom March, Caroline's brother
Supporters can follow the team’s progress on social media and through the challenge website cycle4caroline.com. Donations can be made at this link.
