Weekender: Gladiatorial style cycle challenge set for Yorkshire debut
Leeds city centre is preparing to host a gladiatorial style urban charity cycling challenge, which will see cyclists of all ages and abilities race up a multi-storey car park against a spectacular backdrop of live music, street food and craft ale.
The event,named The Rampage, is free for spectators and will start at 5pm on Thursday 27 September 2018. Throughout the evening, pairs of cyclists will complete the gruelling, lung-busting climb up to the summit of Victoria Leeds multi-story car park – home to John Lewis & Partners.
The first rider across the finish line goes through to the next round and the heats continue until there’s just one rider from each category still standing.
The Rampage will raise money for LandAid, which is the property industry charity working to end youth homelessness in the UK. It is the brainchild of Rupert Visick from Leeds based property consultancy Gent Visick and is being staged with support and sponsorship from home builder Strata, Victoria Leeds owner Hammerson, event company SPOKD, and communications firm Finn.
Rupert Visick, managing director at Gent Visick, said: “For one night only, Victoria Leeds multi-story car park will be transformed into a gladiatorial arena that will see participants turning themselves inside out as they race up to the top floor. We’re on target to have more than 200 competitors taking part in The Rampage, which will be completely different to all the usual corporate cycle challenges and charity rides that take place out in the open countryside. Anyone who wants to be part of a truly unique urban cycling event should sign up now.”
Richard Lang, event co-ordinator at SPOKD, added: “This is a completely innovative and one-off event for Leeds that’s different to anything else going on in the UK. Victoria Leeds multi-story car park is one of the few car parks in the UK that is perpetually climbing, without any flat decks, making it ideal for this cycling challenge. It makes for a relentless climb that will push competitors of all ages and abilities to their limits before they enjoy a well-deserved drink at the top.
“This will also create a fantastic spectacle for everyone who turns up to support and watch the races and there will be plenty of exciting entertainment including live DJs, a bar and great street food being served up.”
Visick said: “It promises to be a memorable evening that will raise thousands for a hugely deserving charity and we’re delighted with the support we’re receiving from the local business community and Hammerson for agreeing to close their car park for the evening.”
