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Rugby League Cares will cross an entire continent on its annual fundraising bike ride in 2023 when riders tackle an epic coast-to-coast challenge like no other.
Le Tour de Rugby League Cares is a 500-mile cycling adventure starting on France’s rugged Atlantic coast at Biarritz and ending on the sun-kissed Mediterranean beach at Canet-en-Rousillon near Perpignan.
Over six memorable days in June, participants will take in some of the most spectacular scenery France has to offer on a fully-supported ride with a rich rugby league flavour.
The starting point in Biarritz is the resting place of Paul Barrière, former French RL president and founder of the Rugby League World Cup, while Perpignan is famously the home of Super League club Catalans Dragons. Along their route, the riders will cycle through towns and cities with strong historic rugby league connections including Pau, St Gaudens, Toulouse, Limoux and Carcassonne.
Full details of the route will be revealed in the coming weeks – and RL Cares is guaranteeing that riders who like a challenge will not be disappointed!
Le Tour de Rugby League Cares follows on from the success of last year’s Empire State 500, a six-day ride from Niagara Falls to New York city which raised £40,000, and builds on the charity’s previous rides from the north of England to Wembley Stadium.
“We’re delighted to launch our very own version of the world’s most famous cycling event and to creating more magical memories that will last a lifetime for all those involved,” said Chris Rostron, Head of RL Cares.
“The funds we raise on our annual adventure are hugely important to the charity and enable us to make a positive difference to the lives of hundreds of vulnerable people within rugby league communities.
“We also want to give all the participants and sponsors a unique and rewarding experience, and I’m sure we’ll achieve all our objectives once again this summer.”
The riders will fly out to Biarritz on Saturday June 10 when their bikes will be waiting for them, having been driven to the south of France aboard one of the support vehicles.
The ride begins the following day and concludes on Friday afternoon on the beach at Canet, where the riders have a hard-earned rest day on Saturday before flying home on Sunday.
Should Catalans Dragons have a home Challenge Cup tie on Saturday June 17, the riders will be at the Stade Gilbert Brutus to see the action.
Throughout le Tour de Rugby League Cares, riders will have overnights stays in hotels along the route and be supported by a dedicated support crew.
Sponsorship opportunities on this once-in-a-lifetime challenge are still available: for more information, please contact RL Cares Partnerships Manager Nav Uppal via nav.uppal@rlcares.org.uk
