Up to a hundred equestrians are expected to join the final leg of the Cycle4Caroline ultra endurance cycle challenge, from Windsor to The Savoy Hotel.

Some of the biggest names in the equestrian world are swopping four legs for two wheels in a 1,200km charity cycle ride in memory of talented rider Caroline March.

Zara Tindall joins with former GBR teammate, and Cycle4Caroline founder, Piggy March on the Windsor to London stretch, as they aim to raise £500,000 for the British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research.

Also joining the peloton of world class equestrians, Royal Windsor Horse Show ambassadors Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale join with Olympic, World and European Champion event riders, to help unite the equestrian community in the fundraising endeavour.

Former European Eventing Champion Nicola Wilson, supporting husband Alastair Wilson on his epic 1,200km cycle

placeholder image — Former European Eventing Champion Nicola Wilson, supporting husband Alastair Wilson on his epic 1,200km cycle

Of joining the challenge Joe Stockdale commented: “Spinal Research is a charity close to home as my dad, the late Tim Stockdale broke his neck in a fall and came back from it to ride again. I am looking forward to taking part in the Cycle4Caroline. I’m sure our competitive edge will come out as well to see who can get to the Savoy quickest!”

Jack Whitaker also commented: “I am really excited and up for the challenge riding a bike from Windsor to the Savoy in London. I’m normally at home riding horses not bikes so it might get interesting! It is for a great cause and hopefully we can raise as much money as possible for Spinal Research.”

Caroline, 31, from Colchester in Essex, tragically died through assisted suicide in March two years after suffering life-changing injuries in a cross-country fall.

Her brother Tom said: “We’re really focused on making Cycle4Caroline a success. I’m looking forward to the whole challenge and being able to achieve something positive in Caroline’s memory for the benefit of others. If we can make a difference to the lives of others that will make all the work worthwhile.

“Caroline’s life was completely transformed by her spinal injury, and she really believed in the need to pursue scientific advances to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.”

A core team of nine equestrians will have made the 1,200km journey from Scotland to London. Joining Piggy and Tom is, BE Support Trust Chair of the Board of Trustees and three-time Olympian Ian Stark OBE, Support Trust Patron Alastair Wilson, and multi-medallist Holly Woodhead.

Piggy’s sister Nini French, herself a top-level eventing rider, Brett Bullimore, husband of European Bronze medal winner Sarah Bullimore, and Racesafe’s Tommy How.

Making the long trip from New Zealand to join the challenge is Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Trust founder in Catriona Williams MNZM. Catriona was formerly one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders. Following a riding accident in 2002, she is now C6/C7 tetraplegic and confined to a wheelchair.

The final leg 60km from Windsor to Central London, will start at Ditton Park before cycling past Windsor Castle and following the River Thames past Hampton Court Palace, and iconic London landmarks like Battersea Power Station, the Palace of Westminster and the London Eye before arriving at The Savoy in time for afternoon tea. The challenge culminates that evening with the BE Support Trust Winter Ball, hosted by The Savoy.

To donate or join the journey visit www.cycle4caroline.com