MEMBERS of Britain’s top professional cycling team will join a popular annual cycling challenge in aid of a North-East charity this Sunday.

Riders from the Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling team will join dozens of other participants for the Big Butterwick Bike Ride, an annual event organised by Stockton-resident Brian Hutchinson in aid of Butterwick Hospice Care.

The squad are the number one ranked team in the UK, a position they have held for three consecutive years. Teesside-based critical infrastructure specialists Durata, which sponsors the Ribble Weldtite team, announced members’ attendance and their support for the Big Bike Ride.

John McGee, managing director, said: “Ribble Weldtite Pro Team is made up of riders from across the North who regularly ride alongside people whose lives have been touched in some way by Butterwick Hospice Care, and we’re really looking forward to joining fellow cyclists to support this vital cause.”

This will mark the first time the event participants can take part as a group again after last year’s ride was made into a virtual event to comply with Covid restrictions and ensure the safety of riders.

Brian said: “We’re over the moon that we can hold the bike ride again this year after the difficult year we’ve all had.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone again and hoping that lots of new and returning riders will join us for a fantastic day in aid of a wonderful charity.”

Brian began organising the event 18 years ago to support the charity, which cared for his sister Christine before her death, and has raised more than £100,000 in total.

Elaine Dunning, engagement executive for Butterwick, said: “We’re just so delighted that the Bike Ride can go ahead this year as we begin a phased return to our exciting fundraising calendar.

“We want to say a big thank you to Brian for his tireless efforts on behalf of Butterwick; to our wonderful event partners, Doornbos Equipment UK Ltd and Foodcell; and to Co-Op Funeral Care for sponsoring the picnic lunch following the ride.”

To take part in the Big Butterwick Bike Ride, visit www.butterwick.org.uk/events or call 01642 628930. Entry costs £10 and riders will leave from the Elm Tree Social Club, in Stockton, on Sunday, 26 September.