National charity Epilepsy Action is urging cyclists to get on their bike and take part in the first ever Harrogate Sportive.

The cyclo-sportive will take place on Sunday 5 October and raises money to help support people affected by epilepsy in the UK. There are around 600,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK.

Starting and finishing in Harrogate, the sportive will take riders out into the surrounding countryside showcased during stage one and two of this year’s Tour de France.

The route will pass through the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, avoiding major A-roads. The event will be suitable for cyclists of varying abilities. Riders are able to choose between a 33-mile or 72-mile route.

The Harrogate Sportive is a British Cycling registered sportive. Every cyclist that crosses the finishing line will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Refreshments will be available throughout the day and during the course of the event. 

Carl Foster, fundraising events officer at Epilepsy Action, said: “The Harrogate Sportive gives cyclists the chance to take to the streets of Yorkshire and ride through some of the most stunning scenery the county has to offer. There are two lengths of route on offer so the sportive will be suitable for novice and experienced cyclists alike.

“Every penny raised from the Harrogate Sportive will go to Epilepsy Action so every cyclist taking part will really be making a difference to the lives of people with epilepsy.”

Entry costs £35 for the 72-mile route and £25 for the 33-mile route. British Cycling members will receive a £2 discount. For more information about the Epilepsy Action Harrogate Sportive or to sign up, visit epilepsy.org.uk/harrogatesportive or call the fundraising team on 0113 210 8797. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 1 October. Cyclists must be over 18 to take part.

Epilepsy Action has worked with Cycle Yorkshire and British Cycling to develop the Harrogate Sportive. It is hoped that the event will build on the legacy of the Yorkshire Grand Depart of the 2014 Tour de France.

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day in the UK. Each year, Epilepsy Action directly helps over 1.2 million people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and award-winning website, epilepsy.org.uk