On your bike! Kilkenny cyclists invited to take part in fundraising challenge

Irish Hospice Foundation has launched details of its IHF Cycle Challenge for 2025 and is urging Kilkenny's cycling enthusiasts to sign up for this exciting annual event. This is the largest in-person fundraiser in the Irish Hospice Foundation calendar.

This year, the cycle route goes from Munich to Milan, a 500km route taking in five countries over five days during the week-long trip. 

Participants will pedal through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy, taking in the best scenery that Europe has to offer. The event takes place from 20th- 26th June 2025.

All elements of the trip, including flights, bike transfer, hotels and guides, are looked after by the organising committee, so participants can focus on enjoying the ride. 

The IHF Cycle Challenge has been running since 2009 and many cyclists return year-on-year for the event, but each year brings new faces too and all cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness are welcome to participate, including e-bike riders. 

Advanced cyclists will have the opportunity to take on some additional route challenges on certain legs of the trip.  A comprehensive training guide is available for participants.

More than €2 million has been raised by this annual event since it started and it has helped to support a range of essential Irish Hospice Foundation programmes like Nurses for Nightcare, the Bereavement Support Line and the development of the recently launched Information and Support Line.

Last year’s event raised more than €140,000 and the fundraising team has set an ambitious target for 2025, which is raised by participants achieving minimum sponsorship amounts from family, friends and supporters.

Irish Hospice Foundation also welcomes contact from cycling club groups, corporate groups interested in participating in the annual event.  

Cycle organiser, Louise McCarron from Irish Hospice Foundation said, “This is a wonderful event with cyclists participating for a range of reasons, often in memory of a loved one who benefitted from services provided by Irish Hospice Foundation, or simply to raise funds for a great cause.

"Some of our cyclists have been participating since day one and we look forward to welcoming old and new friends to join us in 2025.

“This year’s route is a really exciting one, taking us through some of the most breath taking scenery that Europe has to offer. 

"It’s also a great place to meet people with similar interests to your own and create unforgettable memories, while at the same time making a tangible and positive difference to the care and support available to individuals and families facing end of life and bereavement.”

Read more about the challenge and this year’s route or sign up online at https://hospicefoundation.ie/get-involved/events/ihf-cycle-challenge/