Riders cross the finish line of gruelling 220-mile London to Manchester challenge

The 220 London to Manchester challenge was created by Simon Mottram, the owner of cycling brand Rapha in 2014 and to date has raised over £1.2 million for Ambitious about Autism, the national charity for children and young people with autism.  

Simon’s son Oscar was a student at the charity’s TreeHouse School and Ambitious College, a specialist day college for young people with complex autism in London.  

This year’s challenge saw 90 riders set off from European rugby champion’s Saracens ground in London from midnight on Saturday (August 31) and cycle through the night to arrive at the finish line at Cheshire’s Adlington Hall on Sunday afternoon.   

Cheshire-based professional cyclist Adam Blythe was the first rider to cross the finish line at around 12.45pm on Sunday. He competed the ride in 12 hours, 24 minutes.

Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “Completing this ride is a massive achievement and the result of months of training and astonishing stamina.  

“I’d like to thank all this year’s riders for their commitment to the cause – the money they have raised through their incredible efforts will make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people with autism.”  

Rapha founder, Simon Mottram, said: “Year after year, I feel proud to be part of this challenging event.  This year I rode the route with a relay team which added a different element to the ride.  It's such a great experience to share this event with other people who are passionate about the work Ambitious are doing and of course cycling.  Congratulations to all the riders and thank you for helping to raise awareness for Ambitious about Autism."   

Each rider taking part this year received an exclusive London to Manchester Rapha jersey. They were supported along the route by feed stations filled nutritious goodies and greeted with a celebratory party at the finish line.  

To find out more about supporting Ambitious about Autism, please checkout the ways you can get involved.