Thousands saddle up for return of Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride

The Liverpool Chester Liverpool (LCL) Bike Ride made a much-anticipated return this month, after the event was saved by North West Cancer Research, with support from a national retailer.

The ride, which took place on Sunday 6 July, saw 2,800 participants take on one of five routes designed for all ages and abilities, raising a total of over £80,000.

Over the last 30 years, LCL has been a staple in the North West’s event calendar, raising more than £750,000 for local charities before it was cancelled in 2024 due to its operator going into administration.

North West Cancer Research had invested funds into becoming the event’s headline charity partner for 2024, ahead of the cancellation. Fortunately, they were able to step in to save the event, bringing it back for 2025, supported by headline sponsor Home Bargains, as well as Ripe Insurance, Brown Turner Ross, and H2Origin Refills.

The event featured five routes, giving riders the opportunity to choose which option suited their cycling experience best, from a 100-mile Challenge to a five-mile family-friendly tunnel ride.

Among those taking part in the five-mile route was James Moore and his four-year-old son, Leo, from Chester.

James, who has cycled in the event every year that it’s taken place since 2007, and Leo took part together on their tag-along bike. James said: “This has become our little tradition as this is now Leo’s third time cycling in the event – we absolutely love it and it’s fantastic to have it back this year.

“We work together on our tag-along to go faster and it’s great to see so many families out enjoying the day together. We’re hoping to come back again next year and, eventually, we’ll work our way up through the different routes…maybe even the 100-miler one day!”

Dedicated to tackling cancer rates across the region, North West Cancer Research is an independent charity that funds vital, life-saving research, improving care, and supporting the local research community.

Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said: “We are delighted to have been able to bring back the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride, and the success of this year’s event just goes to show much of a pillar in the community it is.

“As a charity, we rely heavily on our supporters’ donations, and this year’s bike ride amazingly raised more than £80,000, which will fund our vital, life-saving research.

“A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported, and donated this year. We look forward to many more years of the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride to come!”

To find out more about the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride visit: www.liverpoolchesterliverpool.com

For more information about North West Cancer Research, visit: www.nwcr.org