MP gets in the saddle for 40th anniversary Hayling Cycle Ride to Paris and back

MP gets in the saddle for 40th anniversary of cycle event

Havant MP Alan Mak got in the saddle and joined more than 60 riders taking part in the 40th anniversary Hayling Cycle Ride to Paris and back.

Alan Mak MP (centre) with fellow riders on the leg between Evreux and Paris during the 40th Hayling Cycle Ride | Alan Mak

placeholder image — Alan Mak MP (centre) with fellow riders on the leg between Evreux and Paris during the 40th Hayling Cycle Ride | Alan Mak

He met up with the cyclists across the Channel and rode with them for part of the leg from Evreux to Paris – the hardest stretch of the Ride.

This year's event marks 40 years since the very first Paris to Hayling ride by Pete McQuade in 1986. He cycled alone from Paris to Hayling to raise money for cot death research after two close friends suffered the loss of their daughter.

Alan Mak MP and fellow riders en route to Paris during the Hayling Cycle Ride | Alan Mak

The following year he persuaded another 17 cyclists to join him and the rest is history.

Since then those taking part have raised more than £1.7m for charity and riders of all ages and abilities have come from 15 countries to enjoy the camaraderie and take on the challenge.

This year the seven-day Ride of almost 400 miles began with a ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Ouistreham.

The cyclists then made their way to Paris and back to Caen, where the Ride ended with a fancy dress day and a celebration gala dinner.

Alan Mak MP (second from right) and fellow riders enjoy a well-earned drink after arriving in Paris during the Hayling Cycle Ride | Alan Mak

The next morning riders cycled the short distance to Ouistreham to catch a ferry back to Portsmouth before the triumphant return to Hayling and a reception at the Royal British Legion.

Mr Mak said: "Congratulations to all those who took part in the 40th anniversary ride this year. I enjoyed joining them for the ride into Paris, even if it was extremely hot!

"The Hayling Cycle Ride is a real local success story, not just in terms of money raised for charity but due to the fantastic atmosphere it creates and the new friends that are made en route and each evening at the overnight stops."

He added: "My predecessor as Havant MP, Lord David Willetts, once described the Hayling Cycle Ride as a ‘unique Hayling institution’. Having now experienced the Ride first-hand, I can add it is a fantastic Hayling institution.

"I was privileged to experience what it's all about from the saddle and would like to thank my fellow cyclists for being so welcoming.

"I also want to thank the team who work so hard to organise the ride and make it so enjoyable for those taking part, led superbly by Chair Sarah Jefferies.

"I look forward to the next 40 years!"