Welcome to The Fred Whitton Challenge
One of the UK’s most revered and gruelling cycling sportives. Known as “The Daddy of them all” by Cycling Weekly, this legendary event is not just a ride—it’s a true test of endurance that rivals Europe’s toughest cycling challenges, such as the Marmotte. For those who conquer it, the sense of achievement is unmatched.
This charity event is steeped in tradition. It honours the legacy of Fred Whitton, a passionate advocate for cycling in Cumbria and North Lancashire. Respecting Fred’s ideals, it remains what it was always meant to be: a challenge.
The challenge spans 112 miles of breathtaking yet punishing terrain in the heart of the Lake District, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riders will take on iconic climbs like Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose, and Blea Tarn passes.
For the elite, the course can be completed in just under six hours, but for most, it’s an all-day epic, with finishing times often exceeding eleven hours. With gradients as steep as 30% at the 98-mile mark, this is widely regarded as the most challenging one-day ride in the UK. This ride will be your ultimate test if you’re ready to push your limits and embrace the challenge.
The next Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge will be on Sunday 11 May 2025
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WHEELBASE
The main sponsors of the event. Established in 1992 we are the UK’s largest cycle store and online retailer. Based in the heart of the Lake District with some of the country’s best riding right from the store.
FRED WHITTON
The person who inspired the ride, and whose untimely death moved us to ride the route and raise money for charity in his memory.
CHALLENGE
That’s exactly what it is – 112 miles on the toughest route in Britain. We make no bones about the ride, it is hard, and will probably be the hardest one day ride you will ever complete. It will take a lot of effort and willpower to finish the event, please don’t take it lightly, and don’t attempt it if it’s your first sportive.
3 MONTH TRAINING PLAN
HOW TO FUEL YOUR FRED
VOLUNTEER
YEARS
CHARITIES
TOTAL RAISED
Since 1999
Fred Whitton & The Challenge
The Challenge has been raising money for charity since it began in 1999, but who is Fred Whitton – and why is it named after him? Until his untimely death in 1998 at the age of 50, Fred Whitton was an extremely popular member of the Lakes Road Club. Not only was Fred the main instigator behind all the clubs’ activities, but he was also always there on the club runs and training weekends.
Living near all the big Lake District steep climbs, Fred would have known them all, so the year following his death we decided to cycle the route in his honour and use it as an opportunity to raise a bit of money for charity.
Twenty five years later that ‘bit’ for charity has now surpassed the £2,000,000 mark!
In recent years the event has given MacMillan Nurses an average of just over £100,000 each year. Along with this, the event has shared the donation of £608,000 to the two Air Ambulances in Cumbria, The Mountain Rescue and Various youth Cycling projects.
We like to stop and think of Fred’s reaction to the event on the day and wonder what he would have made of it all!
Dates for your Diary
Sunday 11 May 2025
The next Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge
Pre-ballot Entries
Ballot Opens
Ballot Closes
Friends of the Fred
Want to get involved?
It takes over 350 registered volunteers to keep the Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge going. If you’d like to help out at the event jobs for volunteers vary depending on location, time of day and skills. Please register your interest before the event. All volunteers are guaranteed a place on the following years' ride.
Or you can donate to any of our chosen charities. All donations are well received and go to helping fund these fantastic services in the community.
