Tour de BT

16-18 September 2025

Delta by Marriott

cheltenham chase, gloucester

Purpose

The Tour de BT Charity ride is designed to inspire and unite BT employees through a shared love of cycling, whilst helping to raise money for a nominated good cause. By combining the opportunity to use volunteering days with a physically rewarding activity, this event not only supports helps others, but encourages personal well-being and team building. The ride provides a platform for employees to connect with colleagues across departments, strengthen relationships within BT, and foster meaningful partnerships with our industry and MOD partners. Together, we aim to make a positive impact, both in the communities we serve and within our organisation, while promoting health, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose.

Background

The Tour de BT is supported by the Blue Light Cycling Club – sponsored by North and Empowered (who have supported us for many years). 2025 will be the 9th time we have run the event, and we generally have 75 – 100 riders taking part – our aim is to encourage inexperienced riders for whom 3-days of cycling will be a big challenge to be fully supported to encourage and enable their participation. We are hoping to be able to announce some exciting new sponsors this year – watch this space.

Each year we aim to choose a worthy cause – this year we have selected the Laura Hyde Foundation which is the UK’s ONLY charity providing mental health support to health care and emergency service workers. I hope that everyone will agree that is an important and very worthy cause for which to raise much needed funds.

Riders are expected to commit to a £250 fundraising target; some will exceed and some will fall short, we just want everyone to try. Hitting your target gets you your free Kalas Jersey to wear on the tour! We are doing this principally to raise funds and why for the BT folks at least these are “volunteering” rather than annual leave days. Participants are expected to pick up their own T&S costs including hotel; in return riders will get a free Kalas jersey, an awards dinner and 3 days volunteering. Also, you are giving up your time and energy for a great cause – and you will feel great!

This year we will be based in beautiful countryside around Cheltenham, providing access into the outstanding Cotswolds to the East, as well as The Malvern Hills to the West. We’ll be staying in the Marriot Cheltenham Chase. We have 3 days of cycling – with a long and a short route each day. We ride in groups of ideally 6 – 8 riders who self-select based on distance and expected speed; the idea is to encourage riders to take part so please bear in mind THIS IS NOT A RACE. Each group will have an experienced ride leader to ensure we remain safe on the road and do not become the cause of traffic disruption.

The routes have been tried and tested and are in lovely undulating countryside. We will be supported by the Blue Light Cycle Club who will manage logistics and also provide leaders for less experienced groups to make sure everyone gets around safely, including (for the less experienced road riders) basic rules of the road and riding etiquette with respect to each other and other road users.

If you are a business and would like to corporately sponsor the event please reach out to Caitlín or Damian [email protected] [email protected]

February 11, 2025