On the 23rd of July, a team consisting of 4 Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF) cyclists, backed by a support team of 9 people, will take on two 8 person cycling teams in the Inaugural Race Around Wales (RAW). The Race Around Wales is a 531 mile cycling challenge and the SPF team have set themselves a target time of 24 hours; which they hope to complete over the weekend of July 23/24th.
The SPF team consists of two members of the successful RACE Around Europe Record Holders. Former St Helens Rugby League Winger Steve Hall and Local Triathlete Phil Ellison. Steve and Phil will be joined on this mammoth task by top St Helens cyclist Chris Humphries and Saints Community Development Foundation (SCDF) Coach, Graham Roberts.
The RAW Challenge is the concept of Wyn Jenkins who has been working on this project for a few years. When we spoke to Wyn he told us, “We are excited about staging the first Race Around Wales and delighted that the SPF can join us for the inaugural race experience. The event is set up under the same strict Race Across America (RAAM) conditions and will be a tough extreme test for the three teams taking part. The SPF have set their sights on completing in 24 hours which is going to be a tough ask especially with over 40,000 ft. of climbing in the gloriously scenic Welsh Mountains. Having read all about Steve Prescott MBE I am sure they will have all the inspiration they need to give it a good go and raise monies for such a great cause.”
The SPF team will be captained by Ian Morgan who was joint crew chief for RACE Across Europe, Ian said “This is going to be one Herculean team effort. The cyclists and support team have to act as one unit. It is so important that we all pull together and make sure the cyclists just concentrate on pumping those legs whilst the support crew look after everything else. Having looked at the route profile this is going to be an amazing challenge, one I am sure the great man Steve Prescott would have relished”
Former St Helens RFC winger Steve Hall said, “After what everyone has been through during COVID, it is great to be back tackling team events and taking part in a challenge that will test our mind, body and soul. It has been a tough time for all, especially charities! The SPF have worked extremely hard through the pandemic, they have diversified and helped those in the community who needed support.
It is great to get back training and have a focus on not just completing this challenge, but also to raise as much funds as possible for the SPF so they can continue to raise funds for The Christie and Rugby League Benevolent Fund.”
RAW will start and finish in the picturesque village of Llandeilo South Wales. The route will include the Welsh Mountains as well as taking in a loop of Anglesey, Caernarfon and the Elan Valley.
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their great support, without them this mad crazy challenge would not be able to happen!
Main Sponsor: Bott & Co
Secondary Sponsors: PSD Rentals
Secondary Sponsors: CMH Car Hire
Shirt Sponsors: ArcoFrame & ThattoCycles
Sponsors: Containers Direct. Whiston Motor Factors. Hayes Butchers. Imperial Quarter and Moda Cycles
Please support the SPF by donating to www.Justgiving.com/SPFRaceAroundWales
Track the challenge online here: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/rawte22