ARMY CADET 70 MILE ISLE OF WIGHT VIRTUAL CYCLE CHALLENGE

GENERAL

1. During these times of social distancing and the current lack of competition across the Army Cadets, there is a gap that can be filled by virtual racing. Virtual racing allows individuals to compete against one another but in a safe way that conforms with the government’s current social distancing guidelines. To that end, Army Cadet Sports has set up a virtual 70 Mile Cycle Challenge that is open for all Army Cadet personnel.

AIM:

2. The aim of this event is to provide all Army Cadets an opportunity to get involved in Sports and help build an esprit de corps and to have fun while keeping fit.

EVENT

3. This event is a cycling challenge and you will need to complete 70 miles within the month of May. The challenge is a virtual cycle ride around the Isle of Wight and you are encouraged to take scenic pictures of your ventures.

There will also be a multimedia competition. We would like Cadets and CFAVs to take photos and produce videos to showcase and introduce cycling into the Army Cadet Sports.

Once you have produced your media content, please submit it to:

DORSET ACF PRO Capt Elsson (thor.elsson@armymail.mod.uk)

Please make sure you label your content with your name, Detachment, and County.

PROs will then send the media content to HQRC Media Comms team for judging.

The winning regional winner will receive an Army Cadet Cycling Jersey ( as designed by Dorset Cadet CSM Ella McAlister ) and the overall winning content will win a £100 voucher with https://karuta-sportswear.com

4. You will need to download Strava to your phone and log into your Club and simply start recording your cycling each time you go out. Any problems then please contact your Regional Sports Adviser.

Strava Club Names

Please make sure you enter your name and County, Battalion, Sector or School

• Army Cadets Sports CFAVs www.strava.com/clubs/Army-Cadets-Cycle-CFAVs

• Army Cadets Sports Cadets www.strava.com/clubs/Army-Cadets-Cycle-Cadets

EQUIPMENT

5. You can use any form of pedal power bike including static exercise bikes as long as it can be linked to STRAVA.

RULES

6. The rules for the challenge are shown below and must be adhered to especially the social distancing and safety:

• Permission and Safety of the cyclist are under the conditions set by the parent or guardian
• 70-mile challenge must be evidenced by Strava
  • Social distancing guidelines MUST be adhered too by local Government Guidelines.
  • Only efforts completed in May will be counted.
  • Road safety is down to the Individual cyclers and MUST obey all road traffic laws if using roads.
  • If any rider is using mountain bikes, then great care must be in place while riding off road.
  • You are encouraged to ride with another member of the same household.

COMPETITION PRIZES

7. We don’t want to encourage the cadets to race on the open roads but do wish encourage the fun of cycling while keeping active for all.

All riders are encouraged to take artistic photographs of their personal challenge and the winning regional marketing content will win an Army Cadet Cycling Jersey.

The overall winning content will win £100 voucher with https://karuta-sportswear.com

SECURITY

8. Be aware that when uploading your Strava data will show the start location. In order to ensure that cadet personnel are not giving details of their home location then all cyclers are advised to begin their challenge 1 mile away from their home address. Guidance would be to warm up without Strava on and then start Strava at the beginning of your cycling challenge. Make sure that your cycling does not end at your home location. You can also set the privacy zones that hides the start/finish location of your ride.

SAFETY

9. All cadets are responsible for their own safety while out cycling and we encourage you to go cycling with another member of the same household. Please read the Road Safety Tips (Annex A) before setting of on your cycle ride.

‘Good Luck’

T Hayter

National Sports & Physical Development Manager