Annual Cathedrals Cycle Relay To Launch From Bradford Cathedral In UK City Of Culture Year

The third national Cathedrals Cycle Relay, following two years of local relays, will launch on Saturday 24th May at Bradford Cathedral.

The Cathedrals Cycle Relay (CCR) – which began in 2021 – will see cyclists collectively visit forty-two cathedrals over forty-two days, each travelling some of the 2000-mile course.

Cyclists of all abilities are invited to take part in a single leg – or multiple legs – during the six-week relay, which will start at the Cathedral to mark Bradford being the UK City of Culture 2025.

Legs of the Cathedrals Cycle Route can be cycled at any time, but each year cyclists are invited to take part in the national relay, where the baton will be passed from Cathedral to Cathedral, returning to Bradford on the afternoon of Saturday 5th July.

The baton is currently on display at Bradford Cathedral, available to see during their usual opening hours.

The relay will begin with a special launch event, at 10:30am on Saturday 24th May, which will see a series of short speeches from the Dean and Bishop of Bradford; Dr Shaun Cutler – creator of the route – and his daughter Hannah – creator of the baton; Dan Bates from the Bradford 2025 team; and a surprise celebrity guest!

There will also be musical performances from Kenneth Wilson, the Pilgrim Celloist, who will be cycling the route and performing at various Cathedrals along the way. As well as performing as part of the launch, he will also be playing a pay-as-you-feel performance the day before - Friday 23rd May 2025 - at Bradford Cathedral at 3pm.

Cyclists will depart Bradford Cathedral at around 11:30am, cycling to Wakefield Cathedral via Dewsbury Minster. Budding cyclists, including members of local cycle groups, are invited to sign up on Eventbrite to do some or all of this route, and are welcome to also cycle other legs as well. It is free to take part, but those donating at least £10 will receive a special CCR medal to acknowledge their achievement.

Dr Shaun Cutler says: “The Cathedrals Cycle Route welcomes everyone! Born out of the challenges of COVID, the CCR was created to foster connection and promote a sense of togetherness, embracing all backgrounds and beliefs.

Now five years since the outbreak, the importance of unity is stronger than ever. We’re excited for our 2025 relay to play a role in Bradford’s City of Culture and in bringing us together, celebrating the beauty of England’s 42 cathedrals and the vibrant communities that surround them. Join us in this inspiring journey!”

Anne Locke, Association of English Cathedrals, says: “I remember very well the joy of taking part myself in the first cycle relay in 2021, and I am delighted that our cathedrals will be welcoming the baton again this year. The Cathedrals Cycle Route has created a wonderful opportunity to explore these marvellous buildings and communities in an enjoyable and sustainable way.”