A community trust is encouraging cyclists to take part in a summer challenge at Chester Rugby Club.

Sale Sharks Community Trust (SSCT) and Iconic Cycling Events are behind the 2016 Cheshire Pedalthon cycling event on June 24.

Head of SSCT John Acheson said: “We have been frequently asked by our supporters to organise a cycle networking event and the Cheshire Pedalthon will achieve exactly that.

“Working closely with Chester Rugby Club and the team from Iconic Cycling Events we have set our sights on raising £10,000 for the trust.

“We are now inviting business teams or individuals to join us on June 24 and ride either our 40 or 80 mile routes out into the Cheshire countryside.”

The event will start and finish at Chester Rugby Club where teams will enjoy a pre ride breakfast and an after ride celebration with members of Sale Sharks Rugby Club. Whilst out on the rides, cyclists will be able to enjoy local food and drink at the feed stations as well as knowing that there will be both medical and mechanical support in case of problems.

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John added: “The monies raised will go towards our objectives of helping use the values of rugby to make a positive impact on the community by increasing participation and by developing opportunities to improve education, health and social inclusion. Currently we are looking to fund a minibus to help bring positive opportunities to people from the deprived areas of the North West.”

The trust is now inviting businesses to become partners at the event. Richard Best, from Iconic Cycling Events, said: “We are grateful to Sale Sharks for inviting us to work with them to develop this exciting corporate event. Our experience from across the Pennines with the Yorkshire Pedalthon shows how popular corporate cycling events are becoming as riders have quality time to chat with their colleagues or clients. We are particularly focused on delivering a great after ride experience at the club house to further develop the networking opportunities and we thank Chester Rugby Club for their support.”

Registration will open in mid January. Businesses interested in becoming event partners should contact Peter Craven pc@iconiccyclingevents.co.uk and the event website is www.iconiccyclingevents.co.uk/cheshirepedalthon