Call for Mayo cyclists to participate in European fundraising cycle challenge
The Irish Hospice Foundation has launched details of its IHF Cycle Challenge for 2025 and is urging cycling enthusiasts in Mayo to sign up for this exciting annual event.
This is the largest in-person fundraiser in the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) calendar, and this year the cycle route goes from Munich to Milan – a 500km route taking in five countries over five days during the week-long trip.
Participants will pedal through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy, taking in the best scenery that Europe has to offer. The event takes place from June 20 to 26.
All elements of the trip, including flights, bike transfer, hotels and guides, are looked after by the organising committee, so participants can focus on enjoying the ride.
The IHF Cycle Challenge has been running since 2009 and many cyclists return year-on-year for the event, but each year brings new faces too and all cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness are welcome to participate, including e-bike riders.
Advanced cyclists will have the opportunity to take on some additional route challenges on certain legs of the trip. A comprehensive training guide is available for participants.
More than €2 million has been raised by this annual event since it started. It has helped to support a range of essential IHF programmes such as Nurses for Nightcare, Bereavement Support Line, and the development of the recently launched Information & Support Line.
Last year’s event raised more than €140,000 and the fundraising team has set an ambitious target for 2025, which is raised by participants achieving minimum sponsorship amounts from family, friends and supporters.
IHF also welcomes contact from cycling clubs and corporate groups interested in participating in the annual event.
Cycle organiser Louise McCarron from the Irish Hospice Foundation said: “This is a wonderful event, with cyclists participating for a range of reasons, often in memory of a loved one who benefitted from services provided by Irish Hospice Foundation or simply to raise funds for a great cause. Some of our cyclists have been participating since day one, and we look forward to welcoming old and new friends to join us in 2025.”
Louise added: “This year’s route is a really exciting one, taking us through some of the most breathtaking scenery that Europe has to offer. It’s also a great place to meet people with similar interests to your own and create unforgettable memories while at the same time making a tangible and positive difference to the care and support available to individuals and families facing end of life and bereavement.”
Places are limited and full details are available on this life-changing trip by contacting Louise at (01) 679 3188 or by emailing her at louise.mccarron@hospicefoundation.ie. You can also read more about the challenge and this year’s route or sign up online here. This year’s event brochure can be downloaded here.