Cyclists set for Dales challenge

5:56pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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The 110-mile cycling marathon, Etape du Dales, takes place on Sunday, with many hundreds of cyclists due to compete.

Last year was the first to be held in the district and attracted huge crowds of onlookers.

The event supports the Dave Rayner Fund and Marie Curie Cancer Care and is an important feature in the cycling world calendar.

The event is being opened by Huddersfield cyclist Brian Robinson, president of the Dave Rayner Fund and the first English rider to win a stage of the Tour de France 50 years ago.

He will also lead a special president's ride of 60 kilometres.

The main cycle ride sets off from Wharfedale Rugby Club at Threshfield at 6.30am, with groups of 20 leaving at five-minute intervals. The first riders are due back after noon.

The route goes up through Kettlewell, past Hawes, Muker, Langthwaite, Tan Hill and Nateby before heading back home via Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Stainforth, Halton Gill and back to Threshfield. Several local cyclists will be taking part.

During the course of the day the HQ at Wharfedale Rugby Club will be open. Food and drinks will be available and there will also be an exhibition of the history of the Dave Rayner Fund, including a sales desk for the team strip.