Break The Cycle 2026 has raised a record-breaking £45,000 for Bristol Bears Foundation, making it the most successful ride in the event’s history.

The 16th edition of the Foundation’s biggest annual fundraising event saw 175 cyclists tackle one of three spectacular routes – Gold (100km), Silver (66km) or Bronze (33km) – designed by three-time Olympian and Bristol native Oli Beckingsale.

This year’s routes showcased some of the South West’s most iconic scenery, taking Gold and Silver participants across the Clifton Suspension Bridge for the first time and through the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, before finishing back at Ashton Gate Stadium.

Cyclists were welcomed back to Ashton Gate with a well-earned Nando’s and a beer from Bristol Beer Factory to celebrate their achievement, while Sivo Wellness provided post-ride recovery with complimentary ice baths and sauna sessions for participants.

Riders also benefited from expert support from Pro Active Lab, who were on hand with physiotherapy support for finishers, while Bristol Bears Foundation’s new Principal Partner, Foot Anstey, played a key role in the event, with colleagues taking part as riders and volunteering as route marshals to help ensure the day ran smoothly.

Thanks to the incredible support of the cyclists, event sponsors, staff and volunteers, Break The Cycle 2026 raised more than £45,000 for the life-changing work of Bristol Bears’ official charity, smashing last year’s previous record total of £34,000.

Every pound raised by Break The Cycle will support the Foundation’s Access and Inclusion programmes, creating opportunities for children and young people across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire through the power of sport.

Jamie Skinner, Bristol Bears Foundation CEO, said: “We are incredibly grateful to every rider who signed up, trained, fundraised and took part in this year’s Break The Cycle. To raise more than £45,000 and smash our previous record is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the commitment and generosity of everyone involved.

“I’d also like to thank our headline sponsors, Sprague Gibbons and Global Vans, alongside all of our event sponsors for their fantastic support, and our amazing staff and volunteers who gave up their time to help make the day such a success. Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without them.

“Every pound raised will help us continue delivering our Access and Inclusion work, creating opportunities for children and young people across Bristol and its surrounding areas to take part in sport, build confidence and reach their potential. On behalf of everyone at Bristol Bears Foundation, thank you for helping us make a real difference.”

Break The Cycle 2026 was supported by our joint headline sponsors, Sprague Gibbons and Global Vans, alongside event sponsors Alder King Property Consultants, Aspire, C-Squared, Fulcrum Diligence, Indigo Food, Knee Specialists, Morgan Lovell, Plantforce, Touchwood Play, Lawlight, MJ Church, Ashfords Foundation, Urban Creation, Bike Shed Company, BW Cycling, Bristol Beer Factory, Clifton Coffee and Nando’s.

The funds raised from this year’s Break The Cycle will support Bristol Bears Foundation’s Access and Inclusion work, helping to remove barriers for children and young people of all abilities and empowering those with disabilities and from under-represented communities to discover their potential through sport.

At the heart of this work is Spectrum, an inclusion programme designed by qualified SEND teachers and inclusion specialists. Spectrum delivers tailored sport experiences across the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) sector, providing schools, families and young people with access to high-quality physical education, competition and enrichment opportunities in an inclusive environment.

Following another unforgettable day on the bike, planning is already underway for Break The Cycle 2027, with more opportunities for riders, volunteers and businesses to get involved in supporting Bristol Bears Foundation’s life-changing work.

Businesses interested in sponsoring next year’s event are encouraged to contact Laura Jones at ljones@bristolbearsrugby.com to find out how they can partner with Break The Cycle 2027 and help the Foundation tackle the impacts of inequality across the region.