Cyclists from around the world have descended on Ilkley to take on a gruelling new charity challenge in aid of breast cancer research.
Fifty riders, aged between 29 and 63, took part in Le Cure’s inaugural Hell of the North on Sunday (5th October), with some travelling from as far afield as California and the French Alps. Setting off from Nell Bank at 8am, the cyclists faced a 110km route featuring more than 2,000 metres of climbing. The route travelled through Askwith, Fountains Abbey, Darley and Greenhow, taking in the climb out of Pateley Bridge before a final ascent of Barden Fell and a return to Ilkley. Local businesses also supported the event, with La Stazione providing bacon and egg sandwiches at the start, 93 Cycles supporting riders on the route and Ilkley Brewery providing drinks at the finish. Le Cure was founded by a group of friends in 2014 and has since raised more than £4million for breast cancer research at The Royal Marsden. One of its co-founders, Dan Cullen-Shute, now lives just outside Ilkley, leading the charity to choose Wharfedale for its first event in the north of England. The charity traditionally stages a four-day cycling challenge in the French Alps, with its fundraising helping to fund seven research fellowships and specialist equipment. Dan said: “What an incredible day - Yorkshire at its absolute finest, and 50 Curistas in pink smashing it up and down some of the gnarliest climbs around to raise money for research that’s already changing lives. “We’ve been running the ride in the Alps for over a decade now: our Autumn Classics are designed to give even more people a chance to get involved, and to do their bit to cure cancer. “Under Professor Nick Turner at the Marsden, Le Cure funding enables world-leading oncologists and researchers to pursue work that is already changing the way breast cancer is detected and treated. “Cancer will be cured, and we won’t stop pedalling (or running) until it is - rest assured, this is our first Hell of the North, not our last.” Dan also praised those who took part, including riders with varying levels of cycling experience. He added: “We can organise as many rides as we like, but without people who are willing to get up in the dark on a cold Sunday morning, some of whom are dusting off bikes, some of whom have bought them especially, none of it matters. “Some Curistas are seasoned cyclists, others are total beginners: they’re all doing something extraordinary for an incredible cause.” The Hell of the North is now set to return to Ilkley in autumn 2027, potentially with a choice of routes to allow more cyclists to take part.
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