Rickshaws at Goodwood? All in good cause - News

Whilst our circuits and venues prepare to close again with the new four week lockdown from tomorrow, one is remaining partly open for an additional week - but the reason is all for a good cause. The historic Goodwood Circuit in East Sussex is paying host to a three wheeled vehicle of a different kind to that which is usually scoring up and down it’s straights and corners.

As of this Friday, it will be the base for this year's 10th annual Rickshaw Challenge to raise money for the BBC Children In Need appeal. Anyone who's seen this challenge in previous years will know what to expect.

Led by host of The One Show and Countryfile, Matt Baker, a team of six heroic young riders from all over the UK, who have previously been supported by the work of Children In Need fundraising, will cycle the distance from Edinburgh to London on the rickshaw (332 miles in all). Of course, owing to current restrictions, the actual cycle between these two destinations can’t take place.

Instead, the team will cycle the length of the original challenge around Goodwood up until the annual telethon night next Friday, 13th November. Whilst the circuit will be closed to the public for this for obvious reasons, nightly updates on their progress will be broadcast on The One Show throughout the week, with viewers being asked to send messages of support on social media, to donate if they can, and also to download a special ‘home supporters’ kit on their website.

Matt Baker completed the first Rickshaw Challenge solo back in 2011, raising over £1 million for the charity in the original cycle from Edinburgh to London, with teams of inspiring youngsters from all walks of life joining him on subsequent routes in the last 10 years, that have included Llandudno to London, Salford to ‘Walford’ (aka the set of EastEnders at Elstree Studios) and from Calais to Salford Quays.

TrackDays wishes Matt and Team Rickshaw the very best of luck with the challenge at Goodwood this coming week - we will be watching and supporting all the way!

To find out more about this year’s Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children In Need, and to make a donation, please visit the Children In Need website.