First ever British Transplant Games Cycling Sportive set to be held in Leeds as games are cancelled due to pandemic

Organised by True Cycling, in partnership with Extra Motorway Services, the inaugural British Transplant Game Cycling Sportive is open to individuals of all ages and cycling abilities and will aim to raise awareness of organ donation, as well as funds for the charity behind the Games, Transplant Sport.

It will take place on August 8 and comes as the planned 2021 British Transplant Games had to be cancelled. However, the games, which started 43 years ago, are set to return for 2022.

The sportive will start and end at Extra’s newest motorway service site Skelton Lake, located off Junction 45 on the M1. Cyclists will have the choice of two routes, both taking in the scenery of Skelton Lake before heading out towards Selby. The route then splits, with participants following a shorter or longer route.

The shorter route is a total riding distance of 57km, with 400m ascent and passes through Monk Fryston, Ledsham and Swillington before returning to the event village. The longer route totals 91km with a 740m ascent and heads north to follow the River Wharfe before heading through Sherburn in Elmet and Ledsham and back to Skelton Lake.

Organisers say that the Sportive is not a race and aims to bring as many participants together as possible to raise awareness and funds. Both routes are suitable for cyclists of all abilities, from new riders looking for a challenge to seasoned pros.

Andrew Long, chief executive of Extra MSA Group, said: “We’re very proud to be sponsoring the British Transplant Games and to be hosting the inaugural Cycling Sportive at

our Leeds Skelton Lake service area, a facility that is already proving extremely popular with a wide range of customers, providing them with a wide range of great food and beverage

‘brand’ outlets within an attractive internal and external environment.

“Since its inception 43 years ago, the British Transplant Games has transformed countless lives and raised much needed awareness for this vitally important cause. The continued

enduring work of fundraisers and members is inspiring, and we very much look forward to welcoming all cyclists and participants to our site in August."

Dr Paul Harden, chair of trustees for Transplant Sport, said: “The British Transplant Games are a key event in the calendar each year for Transplant Sport and provide a vital platform of

support for transplant recipients and donor families too.

“The Cycling Sportive is a great way people can support Transplant Sport and Games to raise further awareness of organ donation. We hope to see a large number of registrations

for this fun and inclusive event to celebrate the gift of life across the transplant community.”

Entry to the Sportive is £20, with at least £5 being donated to Transplant Sport to help stage the British Transplant Games in Leeds. Limited edition cycling jerseys are also available to

pre-order and collect on the day for £40, with at least £10 being donated to Transplant Sport.

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