Sportive to raise money in memory of Newport cycling stalwart Mick

The Nova Raiders Cycling Club will be bringing back their Route 66 Sportive next month, with a tribute to Newport cycling stalwart Michael 'Mick' Jeggo, who died earlier this year.

The event on May 12 will feature two courses of different lengths, one of almost 35 miles and another stretching to 69.

All routes will be fully signposted, with marshals and support crew, and there will be food and refreshments available including a craft beer bus.

The social cycling event is a popular staple in the club's calendar, and this year's will be particularly poignant because it will be the first since the death of Mr Jeggo.

He was a prominent Newport cyclist, and worked tirelessly to promote cycle events in the town and further afield during a lifetime spent serving the sport.

In 2009 he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and he died in February.

And as a tribute, Nova Raiders will donate the proceeds from the event to Myeloma UK.

Post-ride massages will be available on the day, and all the money taken by Apollo Sports Injury will also go to Myeloma UK.

Simon Broad is a longstanding member of the Raiders, and he said: "As Mick was such a focal figure within the Newport cycling scene we thought it would be fitting that we donated to his charity.

"All the proceeds from Route 66 go to a charity, and this year with Mick's death we thought it appropriate."

And Mick's son Nick, who worked with him to organise many races, said his whole family was delighted by the kind gesture.

Nick said: "I think it is a fantastic thing and we were surprised and delighted to find out what they are doing.

"Dad fought myeloma for nine years but it's a disease that not that many people are aware of, it's not one of the most well known illnesses.

"Dad loved promoting Newport and events like this and the Newport Nocturne.

"The Route 66 is a really good, popular event and lots of locals and people from further afield attend. It's one of the best Sportives around for value, and the great thing is it uses the lovely Shropshire roads that dad used as his training routes.

"The whole family is grateful to Nova Raiders for this kind gesture."

Both routes will begin at 9.30am and set off from the Newport showground on Chetwynd Deer Park. Registration will be open from 8.30am.

Cyclists on both routes will head west to High Ercall, with the opportunity of a water stop at Upton Magna.

The longer Route 66 goes through Atcham and Condover, then crosses the A49 at Dorrington and continues into Picklescott.

The route then travels through Much Wenlock, Sheinton and Cressage, Wrockwardine, Admaston and Preston upon the Weald Moors before returning to Newport.

The shorter Route 33 diverges at Upton Magna, instead heading through Walcot and Dorrington and re-joining Route 66 at Wrockwardine.