One of the largest ultra-cycling competitions in the world with over 1,000 participants.
From 15 – 17 June 2016, the fifth annual WOW Cyclothon will see keen cyclists from around the world competing to be crowned the fastest team to pedal around The Ring Road – a 1,358 kilometre route looping around the entire country – raising money for a worthy cause in the process.
Taking place under the midnight sun, the non-stop relay race is the only one of its kind in Iceland, often completed by the winning team in less than 48 hours. Teams can consist of four or ten riders, who cycle in a relay format non-stop for the entire route, followed by their support vehicle. With the B-category teams offering the shortest distance per person with up to 10 riders, this category means less experienced cyclists can take part too, with many corporate participants signing teams to the Cyclothon as a team building exercise for their employees. The solo category is also available for ultra-cyclists looking to take on the challenge of a lifetime in unpredictable circumstances.
Starting in Reykjavik, the challenging route steers participants past Iceland’s most stunning landscapes beneath the midnight sun, including glaciers, mighty waterfalls, the spectacular coastal line, fjords, national parks and striking volcanoes. Far in the east of Iceland there is a 29km gravel section to the route where a mountain bike is required, adding another challenge to the already challenging endurance ride.
Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air – and a keen cyclist himself – began the WOW Cyclothon in 2012 and competes each year along with co-founder Magnús Ragnarsson, even finishing in the second placed team in 2012. “Given the popularity for keen cyclists to travel to experience new terrain and Iceland’s breath-taking scenery, we knew that the WOW Cyclothon was likely to be well-received when we introduced and the race has grown each year. I will forever be in awe of the solo finishers, we had a number complete last year, a truly amazing effort,” said Skúli.
As the main race sponsor, WOW air awards flight tickets as prizes for each member of the winning female and male teams. Open to cyclists of all abilities with a range of bike types, registration closes on 1 May and costs £395 (70,000 ISK) for teams of four, £705 (125,000 ISK) for teams of ten, and £170 (30,000 ISK) for a solo effort.
Committed to promoting healthy living and outdoor activities in Iceland, the WOW Cyclothon also raises money for worthy causes. Last year £114,417 was raised towards the building of a physical activity centre at the University Hospital’s Psychiatric department at Kleppur, near Reykjavik.
WOW air flies from London Gatwick, Bristol (from May) and Edinburgh (from July) to Reykjavik with fares from £39 one way. Flights to North America, via Reykjavik, are available to Boston, Washington, Montreal, Toronto, San Francisco and Los Angeles (all available by June).
For more information on the WOW Cyclothon please visit www.wowcyclothon.com. For more information or to book please visit www.wowair.co.uk.
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For further press information and interview requests, please contact:
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About WOW air
WOW air is Iceland’s only low-cost airline and the most punctual, with 92% of flights arriving on time in 2014.
WOW air offers the lowest fares, a modern fleet with the lowest emissions and the biggest smile; this is the WOW air promise to its valuable customers.
WOW air flies daily from London Gatwick to Reykjavik with twice-daily flights currently on Sunday, Monday and Thursday.
As of summer 2016, the airline will serve 29 destinations across Europe and North America including London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto and Boston.
Created in November 2011 by Icelandic entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen, the purple airline flies Airbus A320 aircraft across Europe and Airbus A321/A330 aircraft that service the transatlantic routes.
WOW air was ranked as the 7th best low-cost airline in Europe at the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards and was the youngest airline in the top ten.
For more information: www.wowair.co.uk
