Wigan Bike Ride is cancelled but will be held virtually instead

Organisers of the popular Wigan Bike Ride have announced this year's event has been cancelled.
Last year's bike rideLast year's bike ride
Last year's bike ride

The fourth annual ride was due to take place on Sunday, July 5, with cyclists covering either 50 miles or a five-mile family ride to raise money for charity Joining Jack.

But registration had to be suspended earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and ban on mass gatherings.

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Now, five weeks before the ride, the charity has announced it has been cancelled.

Instead, cyclists can take part in the ride virtually, either on the official course or another 50-mile route of their choosing.

People are also being given the opportunity to complete the distance in stages, such as five 10-mile rides, to allow more cyclists to take part.

The distance can be completed any time in July and participants will be sent a T-shirt and Joining Jack medal in August.

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It is hoped many people will take part, getting active and helping to raise money for Joining Jack, which funds research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Registration will open today at a reduced price for anyone wishing to take part and people can sign up until July 4.

For those who had already entered the bike ride, there will be a 50 per cent discount on entry to next year's event, as well as the opportunity to take part in the virtual ride.

The Wigan Bike Ride usually attracts around 500 cyclists, who gather at Mesnes Park before setting off for a long ride around Lancashire.

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It raises thousands of pounds for Joining Jack, which was set up by former Warriors star Andy Johnson and his wife Alex when their son Jack was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

It is the second flagship event organised by the charity to have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Run Wigan Festival was due to be held in March, but has been rescheduled for September 5 and 6 for a weekend of running with Wigan 10k.

To find out more about Wigan Bike Ride or to sign up, go to www.wiganbikeride.co.uk.

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