Round the Wrekin launched for 2018

The Round The Wrekin cycle is due to take place in May 2018 and follows hot on the heels of this year's race which amassed more than £28,000 for Wolverhampton's Compton Hospice.

Cycling champion Hugh Porter MBE launched the event on Monday surrounded by representatives from Marston's Brewery.

One special guest was managing director of the firm, Richard Westwood, who will be cycling the full 100 miles in 2018 after completing 60 miles on a tandem with his daughter this year.

This year, more than 740 cyclists took part, up by around 140 competitors. Now, Mr Porter is hoping that the event will welcome more than 1,000 cyclists in 2018.

Mr Porter said: "Sadly, I think many families are touched by cancer in one way or another. I myself have lost my sister and uncle to the disease. So whatever I can do to help the Hospice is special to me.

"If we can 1,000 riders at the event, it means we can raise even more for the charity that do such wonderful work.

The cycling legend from Wolverhampton, who is now 77 and a patron for the hospice, has played a major part in promoting the sportive which is also sponsored by Banks’s.

Richard Westwood said:

The event consists of three routes - the epic 100mile challenge, the standard 64mile route and the shorter 24mile one which is named after Mr Porter.

Previously, the inaugural event which took place in 2016 raised almost £22,000 for Compton Hospice, meaning in two years, cyclists have donated £50,000 to the good cause.

Speaking of the impact of the event, Compton Hospice...

Entries for next year’s event will open today (November 1.)

Visit www.roundthewrekin.co.uk to register.