Lewis Moody and peloton of rugby legends begin epic seven-day 500-mile ride to raise funds for MND research

Former England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup-winner Lewis Moody and a team of rugby legends have set off on an epic 500-mile charity cycling challenge to raise funds for motor neuron disease research.

The Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge sponsored by Gallagher got under way yesterday (Sunday 14 June) at Newcastle Red Bulls – the former club of the late Doddie Weir, whose Foundation Moody is backing  – with riders setting out on the first stage of a seven-day journey to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The challenge will see Moody, who revealed his own MND diagnosis last year, joined by family, friends and some of the biggest names in rugby as they cycle 505 miles in just seven days through England to deliver the match ball for next weekend's Gallagher PREM Rugby Final between Northampton and Exeter. 

Among those taking part during the week are Rugby World Cup winners Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson, alongside former England internationals Martin Corry, Tom Croft, Ben Kay, Joe Worsley, Ben Youngs and a host of former teammates and friends.

The ride is raising funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, the charity set up by Doddie Weir following the revelation of his own MND diagnosis in 2017. As the riders crossed the start line, they have raised more than £200,000 already. 

The challenge also carries deep personal significance for Moody, whose wife Annie and sons Dylan and Ethan are joining him throughout the week, while Doddie's wife Kathy and son Hamish will also ride sections of the route.

The ride began with an emotional send-off at Newcastle Red Bulls, a club closely associated with Weir and one that also holds special significance in Moody's own rugby journey. Hundreds of people from across the North East - including England fast bowler Mark Wood – turned out to wave the team off, 

Speaking at the start line, Moody said: “To have the two families come together under the My Name’5 Doddie banner is wicked. Hamish is a bundle of joy to ride with – and the image of his dad – and Kathy is an absolute machine. 

"We've got a bonkers group of people on this ride with me and, despite everything, there are plenty of reasons to smile this morning.

"It was amazing to see such a reception in Newcastle and a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It means a huge amount to all of us and we hope to see as many people as possible along the route.

"There's still a huge amount of work to be done when it comes to MND. That's why we're doing this ride – to raise as much money and awareness as possible.

"There's more hope than there has ever been. Specialists quietly talk about being in a hopeful place because of the energy that Doddie brought to this fight. He wanted change and he wanted it now – and I'm exactly the same.”

Over the next six days, riders will travel through Ripon, Worksop, Oakham, Leicester, Worcester, Gloucester, Bath and Bracknell before arriving at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday, where they will deliver the match ball ahead of the Gallagher PREM Rugby Final.

For Moody, the challenge is about more than the physical demands of cycling 500 miles. It is also an opportunity to continue the momentum created by Weir and help accelerate research towards effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for MND.

He added: "MND is a global issue. It's not confined to rugby and we want to bring as many people as possible into this cause because every pound raised helps drive progress.

"There are a million ways people can help – come out and support the riders, spread the word, or dig deep and donate. MND is not incurable, it's underfunded, and every pound raised pushes us closer to our goal."

The challenge has attracted support from across the rugby world and beyond, with current and former players, clubs, supporters and businesses all rallying behind the effort.

The Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge sponsored by Gallagher forms part of ongoing efforts to raise funds for MND research and support those affected by the disease.

Since its formation, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation has committed more than £23.5m towards research into effective treatments and a cure for MND.

Title partner Gallagher is supporting the challenge alongside a number of corporate partners from across sport and business. The ride is also being supported by Y.CO - Official Partner of Challenge; Switch Car Rental - Official Vehicle Partner of Challenge; Britt Security Supplies - Official Security Partner of Challenge; Castore - Official Sportswear Partner of Challenge; Official Nutrition partner of the challenge; Optimum Nutrition; and sports broadcaster, TNT Sports.

Lewis Moody and Friends Ride route:

●  Sunday 14 June: Newcastle Red Bulls to Ripon RFC

●  Monday 15 June: Ripon RFC  to Worksop

●  Tuesday 16 June: Worksop to Oakham School to Leicester Tigers

●  Wednesday 17 June: Leicester Tigers to Worcester Warriors

●  Thursday 18 June: Worcester Warriors to Bath Rugby

●  Friday 19 June: Bath Rugby to Bracknell RFC

●  Saturday 20 June: Bracknell RFC to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

For more on the ride, and to donate, visit lewismoodyxv-cyclechallenge.com or myname5doddie.com.