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Join Wiggle for Ride the Track event with Colin Sturgess

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Registration is officially open for a special Ride the Track event on October 1, featuring British Cycling Hall of Famer, Colin Sturgess, as guest speaker.

Wiggle is presenting the evening with training and coaching specialist Andy Cook Cycling. It takes place at the Castle Combe Motor Race Circuit in Chippenham, Wiltshire from 5pm.

Along with the chance to talk bike with the Commonwealth silver medallist and Track World Champion, the event includes a bike MOT and an instructive session on riding in a peloton.

You’ll also have the chance to test your power and precision - or just enjoy a relaxed spin - on the famous 1.85-mile race track. 

The evening also includes a free raffle with great prizes. 

Registration for joining the Q&A with Colin is just £5 to register and includes a pie and pint. Taking part in the Ride the Track part of the evening requires a Castle Combe Cycling membership which costs just £2 for the year for adults. 

Registration details can be found below.

Please note places are limited for the Q&A with Colin.


Colin Sturgess bio: 

Colin Sturgess

Colin Sturgess is one of England's most successful road and track cyclists. His 14 year career from 1986 to 2000 saw him win gold and bronze in the individual track pursuit at the World Championships in 1989 and 1991.

He also won the British National Race Road Championships in 1990 on the road.

Born in Ossett, Wakefield, Colin turned professional after the 1988 Olympic Games and rode for Greg LeMond at the iconic ADR team. 


Full event programme:

Get your bike MOT’d: From 5pm

Ride the track: 5.30pm – 7.30pm 

Learn to ride in a peloton: 5.45pm – 6.45pm 

Q&A with Colin Sturgess, plus a pie and pint: 7.45pm – 9pm (limited places)

 

Register as a member of Castle Combe Cycling in order to join us on October 1:

Click here to register with Castle Combe Cycling


Register to see Colin Sturgess and enjoy your pie and pint - only £5:

Click here to register for the Colin Sturgess Q&A


Get ready for the first Wiggle Festival of Sport

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This year sees the launch of a sporting weekend like no other as Wiggle reveals details of its first ever Festival of Sport, taking place in August 2020 in the New Forest.

The packed three-days of sporting activity and fun, taking place from August 7 to 9, will give runners, cyclists, swimmers, and sport enthusiasts of all levels the opportunity to gather in a family-friendly atmosphere and celebrate their love of fitness.

Situated in the green grounds of Avon Tyrell Activity Centre within the stunning natural surroundings of Bransgore, Christchurch, festival goers will also have the chance to put their sporting skills to the test.


What will the Wiggle Festival of Sport involve?

Included as part of the festival will be a huge schedule of different running activities, from one mile fun runs to overnight ultras.

Road cyclists can take part in a range of sportives over the weekend, from 38 to 102 miles, while there will be on-site open water swimming and complimentary coaches to full ironman distance swims. 

And, of course, there'll be the chance to win bespoke Wiggle Festival of Sport medals throughout. 

Alongside the main sporting activities, a range of fun fitness classes like Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, and Crossfit will be taking place, as well as guided stretching and access to professional massage.

And, once you’ve packed-in all the calorie-burning you can handle, there will be the chance to sit back and soak up the sun with an awesome array of amazing bands and DJs, a huge selection of quality artisan food, and talks by inspirational experts, sporting professionals, and industry insiders on the future of the sport.

Or, if you want to indulge and escape then you can always visit the soothing wellness area to fully recharge. 


A huge array of activities

Some of the biggest brands in cycling and tri-sports will be represented at the event, giving you the chance to try out the latest gear, bikes, and tech. For MTB enthusiasts, there'll be an exciting mountain biking demo, expert led MTB rides, and a pump-track tuition session.  

Thrill-seekers will find a huge array of challenging pursuits, from adrenaline-charged zip-lines to on-site climbing walls and tree-top adventures. 

And there will be a huge range of fun activities for the kids, with an expert-led junior MTB ride, sport-inspired entertainment, and a play and activity area for the under-fives. 

The festival will culminate on the Sunday evening with a vibrant Colour Run when families and festival goers can take part in an inspirational mass-participation event full of colour and music. 

Event bookings will open on January 1 and those interested are encouraged to book early to guarantee one of the sought-after camping spots or a day ticket at what is anticipated to become the UK’s premier celebration of sports and cycling.

Get connected through Wiggle’s social channels, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and sign up to our mailing list to get the latest Wiggle Festival of Sport updates and schedule details. 


Wiggle Festival of Sport details

Here is just a taste of the activities taking place as part of the first ever Wiggle Festival of Sport. 

Friday

  • Coach to the New Forest Aquapark with 500 metres, 1,000 metre, 1.2 mile, and 2.4 mile swims (distances are guides)
  • Free MTB demos
  • Pump track tuition
  • Guided rides by MTB experts
  • Entry to the Expo
  • Amazing food from a huge range of artisan outlets
  • Yoga
  • Zumba
  • Pilates
  • Post training stretch coaching
  • Crossfit for kids
  • Crossfit for adults
  • Wellness area
  • Short lake swims  
  • Free lake activities
  • Access to lake zip-wire, high ropes, climbing wall and other activities TBC* (park activities from £5 per person)
  • Under fives kids play area and activities
  • Welcome party with bands and DJs
  • Artisan Beer and wine outlet
  • Fire pit and late night café

Saturday

  • Choice of sportives over distances of 38, 82, and 102 miles in the glorious New Forest (supported with medals and timing)
  • Sport-based talks, workshops, and seminars from experts and former pros
  • Full bike lock-up
  • Bands and silent disco
  • Free MTB demos
  • Pump track tuition
  • Guided rides by MTB experts
  • Entry to the Expo
  • Amazing food from a huge range of artisan outlets
  • Yoga
  • Zumba
  • Pilates
  • Post training stretch coaching
  • Crossfit for kids
  • Crossfit for adults
  • Wellness area
  • Short lake swims  
  • Free lake activities
  • Access to lake zip-wire, high ropes, climbing wall and other activities TBC* (park activities from £5 per person)
  • Under fives kids play area and activities
  • Festival party with bands and DJs
  • Artisan Beer and wine outlet
  • Fire pit and late night café
  • Start of 24 hours of running, with overnight ultras to 1.2 mile laps and lots of distances in-between - all on site at Avon Tyrell Activity Centre (supported with medals and timing)

Sunday

  • 24 hours of running continued - overnight ultras to 1.2 mile laps and lots of distances in-between - all on site at Avon Tyrell Activity Centre (supported with medals and timing)
  • Sport based talks, workshops and seminars
  • Full bike lock-up
  • Family colour run and festival closing party with Bands and DJs and massive BBQ
  • Sport-based talks, workshops, and seminars from experts and former pros
  • Bands and silent disco
  • Guided rides by MTB experts
  • Entry to the Expo
  • Amazing food from a huge range of artisan outlets
  • Yoga
  • Zumba
  • Pilates
  • Post training stretch coaching
  • Crossfit for kids
  • Crossfit for adults
  • Wellness area
  • Short lake swims  
  • Free lake activities
  • Access to lake zip-wire, high ropes, climbing wall and other activities TBC* (park activities from £5 per person)
  • Under fives kids play area and activities
  • Festival climax party with colour run, bands and DJs
  • Artisan Beer and wine outlet
  • Fire pit and late night café

Wiggle announces an event-full 2020

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2020 will be the year to throw yourself into sport and fitness as Wiggle announces its calendar of spectacular sportives and a unique festival with a fitness focus.

Wiggle is famous for its expertly-run sportives but the addition of an epic festival celebrating running, cycling, swimming, and more this August means this year will be one of the most exciting yet for Wiggle events. 


New Forest Sportive

Wiggle’s event-full year ahead begins on 28 March with the return of its hugely popular New Forest Sportive.

Starting and finishing at the stunning Pylewell Park, riders of all levels can participate with three superb routes to choose from on this Saturday Sportive.

Wiggle Sporting events sportive 2020

Along with the unique experience a ride through the New Forest provides, entrants will also enjoy the bespoke medals, quality facilities, free parking, mechanical and medical support, chip timing, full catering and nutrition from High5, and a free Cycling Plus digital download.


Cambridgeshire Sportive

In May, Wiggle’s second sportive takes place, the Cambridgeshire Sportive. Again, Wiggle will be providing a huge range of facilities and benefits, including catering, chipped timing, and bespoke medals, but the stunning surroundings alone make this sportive a must.

Leaving and returning to the Huntingdon racecourse, the Cambridgeshire Sportive will uniquely offer opt-in gravel sections, allowing you to go off-road and explore more of the picture-perfect countryside. 


Wiggle Festival of Sport

Wiggle sporting events 2020

One of the highlights of the year will be the first ever Wiggle Festival of Sport. The epic New Forest event takes place over three days from August 7 to 9.

Each family-friendly day is packed with events for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and sport enthusiasts of all levels.

From all-nighter runs, to relaxed sportives and outdoor swims, there really is something for everyone to enjoy and a tryptic of interlocking medals to collect for the competitively spirited.

Alongside the main sporting activities, festival-goers can enjoy a range of free fitness classes like Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, and Crossfit, as well as guided stretching and access to professional massage.

There will also be an array of quality bands, DJs, a wellness area, comedy, and a silent disco. And, to make it a weekend fitness-lovers will never forget along, there will be a selection of artisan food, talks by inspirational experts, exclusive product previews, and an end-of-festival sunset barbeque and party.

Camping or day tickets are available for the event. Check out our range of ticket types here.

Wiggle sporting events 2020

And the events continue with a final surge on 27 September with the Wiggle Glastonbury Sportive concluding a cracking a year filled with fitness.

Taking riders through many of the area’s most spectacular sights, the sportive will mark the incredible summer of sport with a celebration of all things bike.

Throughout the year there may be some other opportunities to join Wiggle’s sporting celebrations, so stay glued to our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube channels for news on those. 

The nine must-do events you need to sign up for now

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Looking for some inspiration? We've rounded up the best cycle, run and triathlon events in the UK in 2020. Which one will you sign up for? 

Wiggle Festival of Sport

When: August 7th to 9th

Where: Avon Tyrell Outdoor Activity Centre, Bransgore, Christchurch.

Get set for a sporting weekend like no other. New for 2020, the three-day Wiggle Festival of Sport is a family-friendly celebration of all things fitness.

There's open-water swimming at the incredible New Forest Water Park, cycle sportives and runs over distances to suit everybody, from beginners to ultra-endurance athletes. 

If that's not enough, you can also try mountain-biking, CrossFit, Zumba and a host of other activities.

At the end of all that, you'll be able to unwind with some yoga or chill out in the wellness area.

Going into the evening, we'll keep you entertained with live bands, DJs and comedy and you'll be able to refuel on the best local food that the region has to offer. 


Wiggle Super Series New Forest Sportive

When: March 28th

Where: Pylewell Park, Lymington

The popular Wiggle Super Series returns to the stunning Pylewell Park in the New Forest. 

With a choice of 38, 82 or 102-mile fully-signposted routes on offer, there's something to challenge riders of all abilities. HIGH5 will be on hand providing high-quality nutrition at the feed stations and we'll also have medical and mechanical support on hand so you just need to turn up and enjoy the ride.

It doesn't end when you cross the finish line. Headline partners dhb will be providing complimentary hot food so you can refuel while you catch up with friends and family over an epic day in the saddle. 

 

Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon

When: July 4th

Where:  Milton of Ardtalnaig, Perthshire

The ultimate one-day challenge for all you thrill-seekers out there. Set in the majestic Scottish Highlands, this exhilarating test of stamina and fitness is open to teams of two so you'll need to find an equally adventurous friend to take on this beast.

There are three route options to choose from so there's something to suit everyone. At the top end, the Gold Route begins with a 0.8-mile swim, then a 15-mile run/walk taking in seven Munros. You'll then kayak 7 miles before cycling 34 miles around Loch Tay. 

If that sounds like a hard day's work, you'll be rewarded at the end with a great feast, Ceilidh and fireworks over the loch. 


Adidas City Runs

When: Dates throughout the year

Where: London

Experience London like never before with adidas.

The 2020 City Runs series kicks off on April 5th with a unique one hour race in the centre of the Capital, taking in some of the city's most iconic landmarks on closed roads. How many laps can you complete?

Dates are yet to be confirmed for the Shoreditch and Fulham events which both take place on an iconic 10km course. Entry to any of these events includes an adidas tech t-shirt, personal race photos, finishers' medal and exclusive discounts at the best local hangouts. 


Mountain Mayhem

When: June 19 - 21st

Where:  Market Harborough

Now in its 22nd year, Mountain Mayhem has become something of an institution for mountain bikers.

Hardcore riders can take on the 24-hour endurance race, or the new eight-hour 'Mayhem by Night' alone, but you also have the option of taking part in teams of anything from two to five riders. There's even a category for teams of six-to-ten who just want to have a go.

Camping, entertainment and even events and activities for the kids make this a family-friendly weekend for all lovers of the muddy stuff.


Red Bull Time Laps

When: October 24-25th

Where: Windsor Great Park

Ride on as the clocks go back at the world's longest one-day race.

Sign up as a team of four or race solo on the iconic road circuit through Windsor Great Park. Each lap is worth one point, most points win but there's a twist. For that extra hour, at 2am, a previously unseen, shorter course opens up where laps are worth double-points. 

Now in its fourth year, it's cementing its reputation as a must-do event for road cyclists. Register your interest so you don't miss out - tickets are expected to sell fast!


Live to Tri London Triathlon

When: August 8- 9th

Where: ExCeL Centre, London

Officially the best triathlon in the UK, voted for by readers of Runner's World in The Challenge Awards. Whether you're looking to try your first ever tri, or you're a seasoned veteran, the London Tri has a distance to suit you.

Newcomers can dip their toe with the Super Sprint which comprises a 400m swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run. You can even enter a relay team and tackle one discipline each in the Sprint event - a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run. 

Those looking for a longer challenge can sign up for the Olympic and Olympic Plus distances.

 


Tour de Yorkshire Ride

When: May 3rd

Where: Leeds

Experience the unique atmosphere and ride the same roads as the pros at the Tour de Yorkshire sportive.

Yorkshire's love affair with cycling goes way beyond the 2014 Grand Depart and you'll find the crowd support and hospitality second-to-none.

The choice of three routes out of Leeds take you on some of Yorkshire's finest roads, complete with those famously challenging climbs that keep the cream of the pro peloton coming back year after year. 


Swim Serpentine

When: September 26th

Where: Hyde Park, London

Round off your summer of sport with the UK's greatest annual celebration of open-water swimming.

Swimmers can choose between a one or two-mile route. Don't forget your support crew - they'll be able to keep up with the action from the grandstands.

You'll want to make a day of it and enjoy the short-films, talks, recovery area and more. 

Complete the Swim Serpentine and you'll be one step closer to one of those coveted London Classics medals.


 

What is the Festival of Sport all about?

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Wiggle’s Festival of Sport, taking place this August, is the first of its kind for Wiggle.

Mixing fitness, sportives, running, and swimming with entertainment, music, and food sounds incredible, so we grabbed the festival’s founder, Wiggle’s Global Head of Events, Grant Plant, to find out what it’s all about.

Wiggle Festival of Sport tickets


Why has Wiggle decided to do the Festival of Sport?

We wanted to have a flagship event where customers and friends can come together for a long weekend and compete or take part in various activities. This is the kind of thing everyone at Wiggle loves and is passionate about, so we just wanted to reflect that. It’s really a big get-together of like-minded sports enthusiasts!


Why have you gone for the New Forest as venue?

New Forest Wiggle Festival of Sport

The New Forest is synonymous with Wiggle events – we’ve held successful sportives there for years - and Wiggle HQ sits just on the outskirts of the area, one of the most picturesque parts of the UK. We really lucked-out to get such an incredible venue – it couldn’t get more perfect. It's beautiful and green and peaceful and so close to amazing facilities for riding, swimming, and running, so we’re super excited.


Is this for athletes only or can anyone attend?

No, it’s anyone! We’ve put together a schedule of events that will keep your ultra-athletes happy equally as much as those who are just getting into sport, and everyone in-between. Oh, and there’s plenty of sport for the kids too.


Tell us about the headline sporting events, what’s happening on each day?

Sportive Wiggle Festival of Sport

We based the weekend on a triathlon for the main activities, but each day will focus on one discipline. Then we added lots of other sport and activities around that. So, Friday is the main swim day where you can swim from 500 metres and up to 2.4 miles. Saturday is the on-road sportive. Distances again from a quick 25 miler to a whopping 102 miles through the forest. Sunday is all about running with distances ranging from a little over a mile for the youngest right through to five and 10ks, all the way up to an overnight Ultra for those who want a real challenge.


I see there is a wellness area and fitness coaching – can anyone take part?

Yes, there will be loads of extra activities on site at the festival. Most of them will be free and there will be a busy schedule each day, so you’ll always be able to catch a class, see a massage therapist, and more.  


What about entertainment – what happens at night?

Well, music will play an important part at the festival with bands and DJs sprinkled throughout the day and parties in the evening for all to attend. We will have comedy and also a raft of speakers and workshops. It’s going to be so much fun - we can’t wait.


What sort of food and drink will be there?

We are planning on having what people will need to fuel their sport and activities. So, plenty of high-energy, well-balanced food offerings. Plus, we will have the normal festival type fair for treats and special meals. The festival goers are more than welcome to use one of the many permanent BBQs that dot around the site and to bring their own food also if they like.


Any other activities we should know about?

Well, just for starters, there will be mountain bike demos with our favourite brands, MTB tuition by experts, yoga, Zumba, Pilates, pre and post-ride and run stretching, swimming in the lake on site, crossfit… You’ll also have access to the venue’s day activities, such as high ropes*, climbing walls*, boating on the lake*, and there’ll be open fires in the evening and plenty of cycling mechanics as well as running and swimming experts to chat with throughout the weekend.

*There may be an additional charge for use of venue day activities. 


Anything else?

Yes! Wiggle will be holding an Expo on site with some exclusive fitness and cycling kit, maybe even some new and exclusive product launches with some big discounts and loads of chances to win stuff, along with the chance to check out the latest and best gear, all on site.


Can I camp at it or is it just a day thing?

You can either come and stay over, buy a weekend ticket and go off site to sleep, or buy a Friday or Saturday Day ticket – there’s an option to suit everyone.


OK, sounds great! How do I get involved?

Well, rally tour friends and go to Wiggle.com to buy your tickets and we’ll see you in what we hope will the barmy month of August for an amazing weekend of fitness and fun!

For you at the Festival of Sport - Yoga with Judy

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What will you be doing at the Festival of Sport this August? Indulging in the wellness area? Spinning around the New Forest in the sportive? Well one option is enjoying one or more of the yoga sessions happening every afternoon and evening, stretching and deep breathing in the clear forest air. 

Taking the classes will be Judy Duddridge, a qualified instructor who teaches Vinyasa flow, yoga4men, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra.

Yoga at the Festival of Sport Judy Duddridge

During the festival, Judy is planning to take flow classes in the morning, where you link movement to breath and keep moving. In the evening, you can join the gentler, mat-based nidra session with meditation and relaxation, and she'll may even be available for soft tissue therapy and sports massage, loosening up those tired muscles after a long day in the saddle, after your run, or following your swim. 

We caught up with Judy to find out about the life a yoga instructor and what you can expect from her sessions at the Festival of Sport. 


How did you get into Yoga?

I have plenty of life experience and know first-hand the challenges that this can bring. I have experienced cancer, divorce, stress in the workplace, PTSD, and injury so I really appreciate the difficulties that people face, the speed at which our lives can be turned around, and the barriers that can get in the way of our health and wellbeing.  

My 50th year saw me give up the corporate lifestyle and qualify as a yoga teacher and, in addition to 17 years of experience working in health and social care, this has given me the opportunity to bring all of my skills, life experiences, and qualifications together in a way that I can help others make healthy changes in their lives. My approach is open, honest, and realistic and all my classes and programmes are individually designed to meet the needs of the participants. Since my initial teacher training I have completed 50 hours further training in restorative yoga, and have completed a specialist course in yoga for back health. I am currently studying soft tissue / sports massage therapy and will gain my certification in the spring.


What is it like being a yoga instructor?

I am very grateful to be doing what I love every day. In 2018 I gave up corporate life and fell headfirst into my business full time, and have never looked back. I get the opportunity to meet and work with lovely people every day and help them on their path to wellness, whatever that means for them. There is far too much stress in most people’s lives and if I can help to alleviate just some of that then it’s been a great day at work. 


What can people expect from your sessions?

Yoga at the Festival of Sport

Focusing on flexibility, relaxation, balance and strength, the positive effects of yoga practice on the body and mind can leave you feeling calm, centred, and really in touch with your body and your true self. I mainly teach a Vinyasa flow style practice with an emphasis on anatomy and making your practice work for your body. I teach men only sessions as I noticed a big lack of men in studios, despite the huge benefits that they can gain from a practice. I offer alternatives and progressions in all classes so that everyone is able to enjoy their practice at their own pace. I have completed advanced training in back health and restorative yoga as well as also being a soft tissue and nutritional therapist, and so I encourage students to listen to, and really get to know, their bodies.


How important is the spiritual side of yoga to you?

My practice is spiritual but not religious. Finding an inner peace is an important part of yoga and this is done though breathing exercises, physical postures and mindfulness/meditation. Spirituality is deeply personal and I don’t impose beliefs on anyone and keep religion away from the mat.


Can yoga help cyclists, runners, and swimmers?

Absolutely! Repetitive use of muscles can cause tightness and tension, and yoga can help to loosen these areas though dynamic and passive stretching so reducing the likelihood of injury. Learning to breath properly can also benefit endurance athletes as Yogic breathing involves slow, deep inhalations and long exhalations that utilise the whole of the lungs, helping to increase lung capacity and overall performance whilst also reducing stress. 

London Marathon "monitoring" coronavirus action

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London Marathon said it is "monitoring" the government's response after the health secretary revealed mass sport events “might” have to be cancelled due to coronavirus.

Responding to a question about the marathon during a morning television interview, the health secretary Matt Hancock said there “may be things we have to do down the line that we don't want to do”.

“Right now, we do not recommend the cancelling of mass events," he said. 

But the comment has ignited fears among runners that the marathon, due to take place on 26 April, may be in doubt.

Responding, the Virgin Money London Marathon Event Director, Hugh Brasher, said they were “monitoring” the developments closely.

“We are monitoring closely the developments relating to the spread of coronavirus and noting the updates and advice given by the UK Government, the World Health Organisation and other UK public bodies,” he said.

He added: “With just under eight weeks to go before the event on Sunday 26 April, we will continue to monitor the situation.”

The 2020 marathon is one of most anticipated in years, featuring a head-to-head battle between the two fastest marathon runners in history, Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele.

It’s the most popular marathon on the planet, setting a new world record for applicants for a third successive year with 457,861 registered for a 2020 place.

Covid-19, the strain of coronavirus which governments around the world are trying to contain, has already led to a number of mass event cancellations.

French authorities cancelled the Paris half-marathon, scheduled for Sunday 1 March while, on the same date, Tokyo marathon organisers reduced its participants to elite runners and wheelchair athletes only.

There are also mounting fears over whether the Tokyo Olympics, due to begin on Friday 24 July, will go ahead.

Image courtesy of the Virgin Money London Marathon.

For you at the Festival of Sport – Zumba Fitness with Simmone

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Besides all the racing, running, cycling, and learning, the Wiggle Festival of Sport is about having fun, and that’s where Simmone comes in.

Taking her established Zumba Fitness sessions to the Festival of Sport in August, Simmone describes her rhythmic classes as “exercise in disguise”, with participants wearing a smile as they develop balance and core strength.

Simmone’s classes will be taking place in the epic setting of Avon Tyrrell in the New Forest on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with special family classes available too.

We caught up with Simmone to find out a little more about what you can expect at the festival.


How long have you been teaching Zumba?

I have been teaching Zumba Fitness since 2010 and have continually added to a growing list of certifications and qualifications.  


Do you need to have done Zumba before to take part?

Zumba Fitness is fun and easy. No experience is necessary to take part. All you need is the willingness to have fun. There are no mistakes, I like to call them surprise solos!


What are you looking forward to at the festival?

I'm looking forward to dancing in unison with people who want to forget about their worries and stresses. It is so rewarding seeing a group dance in unison, being uplifted and all in it together.


What will people get from your class?

A love for a variety of choreographed, and easy-to-follow routines that will have them feeling like a Latina one moment, a Bollywood actor the next, and a hip-hopping popstar before we’re through!

It's all about letting loose having fun. Zumba Fitness is exercise in disguise. 


‘Sorry, legs!’: Wiggle customer Kate tackles superhuman 2.6 Challenge

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Much of the nation will be taking on a charitable task this week as part of the 2.6 Challenge, raising money for great causes, including the NHS.

Taking place officially on Sunday 26 April – the date of what should have been the 40th London Marathon – the campaign asks people to help raise funds by taking on challenges related to 2.6 or 26.2 (or variations on the theme).

For many of us, that could be a quick 2.6 mile run, doing a handstand for 26.2 seconds, or riding 26.2 miles on a turbo trainer.

Wiggle customer and super-athlete Kate Jayden from Chester, on the other hand, is taking things a few steps further.

Starting on Friday night, Kate will be taking on a 26.2 hour bike ride. It’s an unbelievable feat, finishing at 2.12am in the early hours of Sunday morning.

But what’s even more extraordinary is that just a few hours later, she’ll be on her treadmill, running a full marathon, recreating the London Marathon distance at home.

Kate is familiar with feats of ultra-endurance, having completed a number of extreme challenges in the past, such as running 11 marathons in 11 days, tackling ultra runs spanning over 100 miles, and the quite unbelievable feat of completing the Deca: 10 Ironman-distance triathlons in 10 days.

Over the years, she’s helped raise thousands of pounds for many charities. Now she’s putting her incredible endurance to the test for the NHS and in support of food banks, which are seeing unprecedented demand.

We caught up with Kate to talk about her astonishing challenge and how you can help her hit her £1,000 target this weekend.


Tell us about how you decided on this incredible 2.6 Challenge.

I was supposed to run the London Marathon and take part in Ironman 70.3 in Mallorca. I’d been training for Ironman Kalmar too – but that’s now a Kalmaybe!

My long rides had been increasing and I’d been doing long runs. As soon as lockdown came into force, I felt it only right I reduced my runs in duration.

I’ve been doing shorter runs using HIIT and interval structures. However, as my long rides were due to start increasing, I had little option but to take to the turbo trainer indoors as I was concerned about any potential for ending up in hospital if I had an accident unnecessarily.

I started by doing 100km. Bank holiday Monday I decided to see if I could do 100 miles indoors and managed that.

When my races were cancelled my imagination started wandering as to what I could do, and I decided on a 26.2 theme on London marathon weekend.


Have you ever done anything like this before?

I’ve done a lot of marathons and so knew that was possible but I'd never ran longer than an hour or so on the treadmill.

I’m no stranger to endurance events as I’ve completed a Deca triathlon before (10 ironman distance triathlons in 10 days) but I’ve never cycled more than about 180 miles on the bike at one time, so I know this will be a real challenge of mental strength.

It will be made even more difficult by the timing too. I start the 26.2 hour bike ride midnight Friday night, finishing 02:12am Sunday morning, followed by the marathon at 9am. I’m sorry, legs!


What’s motivated you to raise this money for charity?

I wanted to be able to help others as I was very aware I’m really lucky to be able to work from home through the pandemic and still have a job.

I’m fortunate to have a treadmill and bike trainer so thought I’d do something to help.

My mum is in the NHS working as a nurse and I hadn’t been able to travel to see her when plans changed due to lockdown and I felt like I should do something positive.

Seeing the foodbanks become so overstretched and mental health charities access increase by 50% in the last few weeks struck a chord.

I’m so grateful to be living with my partner throughout this but before that I would have struggled with loneliness at times like this.

I’ve struggled with mental health issues in the past but I’m doing really well now. We’re all in this together and we all have some even small positives and privileges in our lives currently if we seek them.

We all have things to be grateful for even in hard times, even when it may not feel like it. In those times we all need to help one another and be considerate of others’ needs, by spreading kindness, creating a domino effect of acts of kindness.

If a mother can feed her children, or somebody may not choose to end their life, if a person’s view of mental health is changed, or just one person has a meal on their table through what I’m doing, then a weekend of enduring this is nothing compared to the struggles faced in poverty and loneliness caused as a side effect of this awful virus.

Please help me to fill the foodbanks and to care for the nation’s mental health by donating to the Trussell Trust and Mind at www.virginmoneygiving.com/londonlivingroom

Five things we can’t wait for at the Velio Festival

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Taking place this 17-20 September in Cheshire, the first ever Velio Festival promises to be a kaleidoscopic experience of music, comedy, food, and – yes! – cycling.

As full details of the programme continue to emerge, we’ve taken a look through the vast array of happenings already announced and could not be more excited.

Whether you’re a cyclist or not, the Velio Festival will easily be one of the biggest and best parties of the year, with its unique combination of dazzling entertainment, must-see acts, and adventurous activities.

So, dust off the flower crown, check your tent poles, and break out the tie-dye as we list our top five things to see and do at Velio.


1. Hitting the main stage

Main stage at Velio

With no less than five stages at Velio, there will be a lot of tough decisions to be made throughout weekend. But there are some unmissable acts that will make your mind up for you.

The disco era legends that are Sister Sledge are surely one of those, while a chance to catch the chilled grooves of Elder Island, the uniquely angular synth-rock of Everything Everything, and the electrifying enthusiasm of The Futureheads is not to be missed.


2. Having a laugh

Comedy at Velio

Festival comedy is a different beast compared to watching it on tele or in a small club venue.

The atmosphere is always more fervent, the comedians looser and ready to break off on hilarious and untested tangents. It’s much more a collective experience where anything can happen.

With top billers Jason Manford, Marcus Brigstocke, and the awesome Shappi Khorshandi lined up to crack wise, even experienced cyclists will be left fighting for breath.


3. Dancing till sundown

Dancing and DJs at Velio festival

If you don’t have a dance, where you even at a festival?

We defy anyone not to break into their best moves when Disco Classical hit the stage with their accompanying live orchestra, blazing out the classic beats that ensure involuntary bopping.

The rest of the line-up includes dance denizens Crazy P Soundsystem, PBR Streetgang, and a host of other top DJs to keep the groove at eleven throughout.


4. The cycling

Cycling at Velio festival

With so much going on elsewhere, it’s worth reminding ourselves that cycling will be a major aspect of the festival.

This looks set to be a true utopia for cycling lovers and includes a range of routes, from a 3km festival-based blast to 100km roams around the cheering landscape of Cheshire.

However, the mecca for cyclists during Velio will be Velutopia, a unique cycling experience taking you through a 14km route along closed roads, filled with entertainment, commentary, a spectator's area, start and finish line parties, mid ride parties, and even some mysteriously titled "surprise encounters".

The list of cycle-related diversions is huge, and includes an indoor cycling arena (yes!), safe and insured bike storage (tick!), and a packed schedule of cycling talks, tech, workshops, coaches, physios, and more.


5. The feast

Food at Velio festival

After buring through the cals from all the dancing, laughing, and cycling, topping up the energy supply to get back at it will be  high on the agenda.

Luckily, banquets and feasts feature heavily in Velio’s growing menu of goings-on, and with a list that includes ‘Award-winning chefs’, ‘Craft ales’, ‘Wine tasting’, and ‘The Great Feast Village’, it all adds up to a mouth-watering prospect.


What else? Wellness and activities...

Yoga at Velio

Our top five is more than enough to convince us this is the party of the year but there’s more – a lot more.

We haven’t even mentioned the Wellness programme that, along with the mainstays of Yoga and meditation, includes wild swimming, paddle boarding, talks, workshops, and even a dog therapy class called Cuddle Club. Then there is the Velio Village, featuring a late-night jazz café, cabaret, classic films, chillout areas, DJs, and Juke Box! - a live band that performs your requests.

It’s all too much… is it September yet? 





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