Biking for Bart: Sailors join forces for fundraiser in memory of Andrew Simpson

Mr Simpson died whilst training for the Americas Cup in 2013 and a foundation based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy was set up in his name.

This year, the foundation is holding a brand new fundraising event, Bike4Bart, to take place on Sunday (September 2). And Sir Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy OBE and cyclist Philippa York, are among those riding.

Riders have a choice of tackling three different routes ranging from 26-95 miles with varied terrain and breath-taking panoramas of the Dorset coast and with wider family activities on offer, it’s an event for all ages and abilities.

Sir Ben won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, when sailing events were held in the waters off Weymouth and Portland. Mr Percy jointly won a silver medal at the 2012 Games in the Star class field.

Both have regularly been involved in Bart's Bash, the annual mass-participation sailing event raising funds for the Andrew Simpson Foundation.

The registered charity aims to increase participation and improve lives through their five key charitable activities: Bart’s Bash, research, community sailing programmes, volunteer training and grants.

A spokesman said: "We are delighted to announce that in just under a week, Philippa York will be joining British Cycling Performance Director Stephen Park OBE, Sir Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy OBE and participating in Bike4Bart. Philippa York is a Scottish journalist, a former professional road racing cyclist and one of Britain’s most successful cyclists of all time.

"As the Andrew Simpson Foundation’s inaugural event, the Bike4Bart Charity Sportive will take place on Sunday, September 2 and start from the iconic Olympic venue of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Portland."

As well as the bike ride, the event offers a family fun day with activities from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

For more information and to get involved, visit www.bike4bart.com