The official jersey for this year’s Break The Cycle event has been designed with a special nod to the profiles of the cycling routes that run through some breath-taking scenery across Bristol, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.

The jersey design features the elevation profile of the Gold and Silver cycle routes banded around each arm and the logos of the principle partners of Break The Cycle 2022. The event is Bristol Sport’s biggest annual fundraiser that generates vital funds for the group’s charitable foundations.

Pete Gibbons, Managing Director of Break The Cycle partner Sprague Gibbons, says,

“Everyone who has taken part in Break The Cycle always comments on how stunning the routes are. From the beginning it has always been about having fun and raising money for a fantastic cause. In the early days the route went via three rugby clubs, Bristol to Bath (The Rec), onto Gloucester (Kingsholm) and then back to Bristol. As the event grew, we introduced the option of three routes to make the event more inclusive for cyclist of different abilities.” 

Taking place on Sunday 17th July 2022, participants can choose to cycle one of three routes. A Bronze (40 miles), Silver (65 miles) or Gold (100 mile) cycle loop, that all start and finish at Ashton Gate Stadium. Depending on your cycling ability and how much of a challenge you are up for, there is something for everyone and the event promises to be an amazing day in the saddle. 

All three routes start from the stadium and take you across the new Swing Bridge, up the Portway, past Blaise Castle, through Hallen, Easter Compton and Pilning using safe and well-known cycling routes. You’ll then enjoy the stunning views whilst riding across the old Severn Bridge. For the Bronze route you can have a pit-stop and refill your bottles on the other side, and then start the return leg back through the tried and tested Spanorium route, and back down the Avon Gorge. 

Silver and Gold continue over the old Severn crossing and through Chepstow, up the beautiful St Briavel’s climb, then dropping into the Wye Valley and into Tintern. Climb past the Fisheries, through Fedw Wood and up to Devauden Village. Silver riders can then enjoy the well-earned and long descent back to Chepstow Racecourse, back over the old Bridge, through the Spanorium route and back down the gorge towards the stadium. 

Once Gold cyclists have reached St Briavels Climb, the route will take you past Coleford and Staunton before a cracking descent into Monmouth to refuel. Then out past Rockwell and head west through Tal-y-coed, Llantilio Crossenny, down to Llanarth, Bryngwyn, Raglan, Llansoy and climb up to Devauden Village. It’s then time to enjoy the descent back to Chepstow Racecourse, back over the old bridge, through the Spanorium route and you guessed it – back down the gorge to the grand finish at Ashton Gate Stadium.  

Ben Breeze, founding member of Break the Cycle and Chief Community Officer at Bristol Sport Foundation says,

“After 2 years of virtual events, we’re really looking forward to hosting everyone at Ashton Gate Stadium. All funds raised from entry fees and sale of cycling jerseys goes to support the important work of the Bristol Bears Community Foundation. 

“This year, more than any year, get on a bike with friends and colleagues, raise some desperately needed charity funds for either Bristol Sport Foundation, Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Bristol City Robins Foundation or Bristol Flyers Community Department. Get fit, have fun, don your jersey, ride a bike, drink coffee, eat cake and enjoy the stunning scenery – what’s not to like?!”

The jerseys are £50 and are available in: Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Click here to pre-order your jersey and make sure you book your place for Break The Cycle 2022.

How to get involved

To get behind Break The Cycle 2022 and support the life changing work delivered by the Bristol Bears Community Foundation simply follow these three steps…    

1. Book your place – Whether you’re relatively new to cycling or a seasoned peddler, set yourself a challenge and sign up for one of three routes.

2. Train – Get on your bike ahead of the big day, whether it’s at home, on a static bike, or out with your family…it’s up to you! Why not head over to BSF TV to watch some top tips from Olympic cyclist Oli 
Beckinsale.

3. Cycle – Get down to Ashton Gate on Sunday 17th July ready and raring to go for your chosen Break The Cycle route, knowing you’re helping to raise the vital funds needed for our life changing work.

And if you’re still not excited about Break The Cycle 2022, get a flavour of those epic routes by checking out this video from 2018…