Everyone at Rotherham United was delighted that we could join in celebrating the push-off of The Albion Foundation for their epic Baggies Cycle Challenge which will see them pedal from AESSEAL New York Stadium to The Hawthorns in time for Wednesday night’s game between West Brom and the Millers.
There was time for a quick photoshoot and some words of encouragement from club and Community Trust staff before the riders set off on their three-day-long mission in the name of charity.
Every year, West Brom organise a Baggies Cycle challenge for which they choose a new starting point to begin an arduous amount of pedalling back to The Hawthorns from.
The charity ride’s purpose is to raise funds for The Albion Foundation via individual cyclist sponsorship in order to ensure that their equivalent of our very own amazing Community Trust are able to carry out their work to best effect.
To mark the start and for the Millers to show solidarity with the Baggies’ riders, the two organisations exchanged a shirt to signify the start of the journey before the two parties are reunited in league action on Wednesday night.
The ride will take the Baggies representatives 160 miles over three days with the itinerary as follows:
Monday 8th April – Meet at The Hawthorns to travel to Rotherham. Cycle 40 miles to Buxton (via Winnats Pass!).
Tuesday 9th April – Cycle from Buxton to St George’s Park, 60 miles.
Wednesday 10th April – Cycle from St George’s Park to The Hawthorns, 60 miles.
As if the mileage alone didn’t make for an epic enough challenge, the football trivia quiz aficionados among us will know that The Hawthorns is the stadium that is highest above sea level in the EFL, meaning those final miles are likely to be uphill!
Speaking after the Baggies contingent set off on their way from South Yorkshire, Rotherham United’s Head of Community Jamie Noble said:
“It was brilliant for our Trust to be a part of this fantastic challenge for The Albion Foundation and to meet the guys getting involved before they set off on their way to Wednesday night’s game.
“Having learned of the route, it’s fair to say there are a few hills along the way so it is certainly going to be a challenge but I know that those involved will be determined to tackle it head-on and will be ready for some rest and relaxation by the time the two teams meet in midweek.
“On behalf of everyone at Rotherham United, I’d like to wish them the best of luck and we look forward to seeing them and the pictures and photos that they get along the way when the challenge is complete.”
