Ride with the pros in the Colomba Chemo Classic

Summer may be over, but a new charity ride in the North Yorkshire Dales gives cyclists the chance to take in some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery in the company of some top pro riders while raising money for a good cause.

The Colomba Chemo Classic will take place on Saturday November 14 and is being supported by some of the UK’s top young pros including Katusha’s Ben Swift, winner of the penultimate stage of this year’s Tour of Britain as well as Alex Dowsett and Ian Stannard.

The event has been dreamt up by 19-year-old Robert Knibbs, who was diagnosed just over a year ago with Hodgkin’s Lymphona.

Thankfully, Robert is now in remission, and wants to raise money for Cancer Research to help others suffering from the condition. Robert is a member of the Colomba Cycle Club, sponsored by local bikewear firm Colomba Cycle Company, so a bike ride was an obvious choice.

Based in the market town of Richmond, the 65-mile route takes in some of Robert’s favourite scenery, and is said to be “demanding but not too ridiculous for the time of year”.

And don’t let the presence of the pros put you off taking part – the organisers say that “we are aiming at all levels of cyclist, from those wanting to thrash around to those who just want to have a leisurely ride around some fantastic scenery.”

Full details, including how to register, can be found at www.colombachemoclassic.org.uk and as an added incentive, Colomba is offering participants a £15 discount on the price of either its black club jersey, or its tricolore version which celebrates this year’s centenary of the Giro d’Italia.