Brian Robinson Challenge Ride

Stadium Setting for Annual Cycle Challenge

The famous Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield is the setting for a sporting challenge of a different sort this April.

Whilst the Stadium is renowned for its rugby and football teams, it will become the headquarters location for one of the areas premiere cycle challenges this year, when it hosts the Brian Robinson Challenge Ride


The ‘Robbo’ as it is known amongst cyclists is a 75 mile cycle circuit which offers riders the opportunity to take in some of the country’s most iconic climbs, Holme Moss, for example, has featured in cycling events at the highest level for over half a century.


The ride is named after Britain’s first Tour de France stage winner who still lives in nearby Mirfield and used many of these roads as his training ground. Brian was one of the first people to be honoured in the British Cycling Hall of Fame
This event has now been running since 2007 (previously run as the Kirklees Sportive,) and attracts riders from across the country to take part.. The aim is to provide a challenging but scenic route which can be enjoyed by a rider in peak condition or someone new to cycling who wishes to complete the course.


On average 300 riders take part in the event, which has managed to donate over £21,000 to worthy causes.

Entry is via an online portal at, https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=472

Time is not the target, completing the course and enjoying the atmosphere are. The ride has the unique feature of a rare closed road ,mass start thanks to the kind support of West Yorkshire Police, Kirklees Council Highways Dept, and Metro. Riders are guided along the circuit with the help of Route marshals are kindly provided by West Yorkshire Advanced Motorcyclists, a feature well liked in previous years for their friendly and reassuring directions
The ride has drawn some excellent testimonials from riders;
“Excellent organisation and the welcome feeding stations. There was no shortage of good company and always a friendly word from the many who passed me and the few that I passed. … If my diary permits I may well be back next year - if only to try to sneak into the Silver category instead of the Bronze! “ Peter King Executive Director British Cycling , 2009 rider
“This ride deserves to be a classic” Richard Peace Cycling Plus review 2008
The event starts near Huddersfield and quickly takes in the first Pennine climb, this will allow riders to select the pace for their ride. The event takes in the finest parts of Lancashire, Derbyshire, South and West Yorkshire and from the Yorkshire side the ascent of Holme Moss features countdown markers on the climb and a summit marker to aim for, giving riders another unique experience.
The scene is then set for a roller coaster ride encircling the scenery made famous by BBCs Last of the Summer Wine, before finishing with a fast descent to the event HQ.
With 2 feed stations, mechanical support and the presence of cycling back markers it is a great day out whether you are an avid sportive rider or user the event for your annual fitness check
The rider handbook has comprehensive route instructions , maps and contact details and should the need arise there are many options for riders to cut short and head back to base , but don’t forget to come back next year to complete the event.
This year our profits will be supporting the www.daveraynerfund.com , Yorkshire Air Ambulance www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk and the military charity Combat Stress

Event Supporter Information

Start/Finish: This year we are pleased to be able to base the ride at the Stadium Health and Fitness Centre, at the famous Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield . By kind permission of Kirklees Active Leisure and partners.
On the day Rider Registration opens 0730 Sunday 17 April, Ride starts at 0900
HQ location, http://kirkleesactive.co.uk/centres#stadium-map
The ride couldn’t happen without help and support from partners
Mechanical Support thanks to Just Ride, www.just-ride.net
On route rider assistance and back markers provided by KBUG.co.uk
Route marshalling provided by wyam.org.uk
Feeder stations operated and supplied by Kirklees Catering and Cleaning Services
Headquarters Kirklees Active Leisure, http://kirkleesactive.co.uk/about-us

All enquiries regarding entries to Event Organiser Martyn Bolt