Three international rugby players who have all pulled on the prestigious British and Irish Lions jersey joined Asiatic Lions at Chessington World of Adventures Resort this week ahead of Human Race’s Lionheart sportive. 

Peter Winterbottom MBE, Craig Chalmers and Rob Henderson, who secured more than 150 international caps between them, are all keen cyclists and are aiming to tame the Lionheart at Longleat Estate as a warm up to their Ride of the Lions ‘Waterloo 200’ event.

Peter Winterbottom MBE, said: “Cycling is a really enjoyable past time and having these events to train for is a great motivation to get on the bike. Myself and the other boys thought the Asiatic Lions at Chessington World of Adventures Resort were fantastic and we are very much looking forward to riding through the wonderful grounds of Longleat Estate during Lionheart.” 

Michael Zurnamer, Carnivore Supervisor at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, said: “Ashok and Rani, our two lions, definitely enjoyed their photoshoot with the British and Irish Lions. Whilst Asiatic Lions can sleep for up to 20 hours a day we’re sure the rugby legends have been far more active in their training for the Lionheart sportive and Waterloo 200!” 

Photo: Matt Alexander/Human Race and Chessington World of Adventures Resort

The Lionheart, set to take place on 22^nd March, offers riders the chance to take on 100 km or 100 mile routes and prides itself as being one of the UK’s friendliest sportives. 

Enjoying the splendor of Longleat Estate as the start and finish point, both routes will stretch through Wiltshire and dip into Somerset. Full of contrast and rich in historic sites and natural features, this is cycling terrain full of character, with a fair quota of testing climbs. 

This year’s event will see a closed road hill climb on a timed section up towards King Alfred’s Tower, situated at the top of Kingsettle Hill on the fringes of Stourhead Estate. Riders will also experience a wine and cheese stop, complete with French accordionist. 

Join the Lions legends by securing one of the few remaining places for the event at www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling.