The long-awaited Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines 2014 will take place this Sunday, 20 July, with thousands of dedicated cyclists taking to the closed roads of County Durham for what has gained a reputation as one of the UK’s toughest sportives. 

The Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines, now in its third year, is a sportive targeted at seasoned cyclists and those wanting to take on a thrilling challenge. Up to 2,000 participants will conquer the beautiful route that crosses some of the country’s most scenic locations and breathtaking views. 

The ride starts and finishes in Barnard Castle, taking participants across some of the most challenging terrain in Teesdale and Weardale, returning via Hamsterley Forest. With several uphill climbs and exhilarating downhill sections, this is one of the most demanding yet rewarding routes on the calendar. 

Ambassadors for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines 2014 are Olympic gold medallist, long jump world record holder and TV presenter, Jonathan Edwards and Olympic track cycling gold medallist, Steven Burke. The two elite athletes met up for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines training ride in April earlier this year, where they took on 45 miles of the 60 mile Etape Pennines route. 

Burke said: “This event has drummed up quite a reputation among cyclists and the route is pretty demanding so I was thrilled to ride part of it alongside a legend in the world of sport like Jonathan. It’s a really tough route with some huge climbs, but the views at the top make them utterly rewarding. Plus, you can get up some good speed on the downhill sections!” 

Edwards, Olympic triple jump gold medallist at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, started cycling about four years ago and quickly caught the bug: “The Etape Series is well-organised and the routes are stunning. Pennines is definitely a big event to take on, it’s tough and the climbs are gruelling but I’ve seen comments from last year’s finishers and the sense of accomplishment seems unbelievable. I really enjoyed the training ride - the scenery was beautiful and it was great to have Steven riding next to me giving me tips and advice on hill climbing as there was over 4,500ft of it on the route.” 

Unfortunately Jonathan Edwards will not take part in this year’s Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines after being called in for presenting duties on the British Athletics Anniversary Games. Jonathan has been invited back to take part in either of the Etape Series events in the future. 

Participants will be able to register their interest to the 2015 event immediately after the 2014 event, which will give them access to a 48 hour priority entry window. Visit www.etapepennines.co.uk to register. 

Many of the riders will be raising vital funds for the events official charity partner, Marie Curie Cancer Care. Money raised will enable Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free, hands-on care and support to people with terminal illnesses and their families in communities across the UK. For more information visit www.mariecurie.org.uk.