A team from the construction industry will cross the finishing line of a gruelling four-day cycle ride across the UK at Sizewell C in Suffolk this week.
The Construction Sport Nuclear Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge set off from Hinkley Point C in Somerset on Monday, April 7 on the 300-mile ride between the two nuclear power stations.
Construction Sport is a charity focusing on improving mental health in the construction sector through sport and its proactive approach, creating opportunities for people to get together, enjoy themselves and address their mental health.
Among those taking part is Women in Construction Anglia founder Clare Friel.
“Mental health is a big concern in the industry and Construction Sport does amazing work providing opportunities for people to link up and play sport together,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to getting in the saddle but must say I’m a little nervous about the ride.
“It’s a long way and not everywhere is quite as flat as Suffolk.”
Cyclists will set off from Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset in the early hours of Monday April 7, making their way through Bristol, Bicester and Cambridge before crossing the finishing line in Suffolk at 4.30pm on Thursday April 10.
The charity’s CEO Steve Kerslake, who runs a groundswork company and understands the construction struggles first hand, will be among the riders taking on the challenge.
“We will have around 15 people from the construction industry taking part,” he said. “It will be a great event.
“The charity has previously set up a number of challenges, including walks along the HS2 route and the Thames Tideway, but this is the first cycling challenge we’ve done in the UK.”
“It will be a fun ride – hopefully not as hard as a day’s digging.”
Latest research reveals construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average due to the overlooked physical and mental challenges they face.
Steve added: “There has been a lot done about mental health in terms of awareness over the years but not so much proactively in setting up events that can help and create change.
“Our industry is affected more than most with mental health, so being able to organise community events and sports teams to help tackle the issue is a real privilege.”
For more information on Construction Sport, see here.