Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm is launching the much-anticipated Rattler Pro Ride, the UK’s most-gruelling cycling sportive as part of a blossoming partnership with Cornwall’s very first elite cycling team, Saint Piran.

Sponsored by Cornish cyder brand, Rattler, the challenging two-day sportive event will be taking place for the very first time over the weekend of September 8-9, 2018.

The partnership deal will see Saint Piran and Healeys work together to develop a number of initiatives aimed at putting Cornish cycling firmly on the map. 

Proceeds from the weekend’s cycling events will go directly to Saint Piran to support its ongoing sporting commitment and ambition: to give talented cyclists the opportunity to perform on the national stage, and by 2023, to compete as an accredited continental professional squad in the world's biggest races.

Although technically an amateur event, the Rattler Pro Ride differs from other sportives with a distinctly competitive element.

The event will offer cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to test their legs alongside pros on 25, 50 and 100-mile routes on notoriously tough Cornish roads. 

Each beautifully scenic course will showcase local landmarks with the start/finish and ride village situated at the iconic Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm at Penhallow, home of Rattler.

Professional riders from the UK’s top teams will pit themselves against eager challengers. 

On Saturday, September 8, King of the Mountain and Sprint competitions will add a ferocious yet fun edge to an already demanding sportive route.

Sunday, September 9, will see team time trials, hot laps, ‘winner stays on races’ and much more.

All of which will take place on a closed circuit and against elite pro riders. Sunday will also include a variety of fun, child-friendly races.

When the epic journey is over, there will also be the opportunity for participants to refuel, relax and mingle with the pros over some post-race Cornish hospitality including a three-course dinner, drinks, guest speakers, competitions and much more at Healeys’ Old Bottlery Restaurant.

Joe Healey, Healeys Managing Director of Trading, said: “We are delighted to announce Rattler as principle partner 2018 of Saint Piran. As an independent family-run business in Cornwall, it is important for us to collaborate with like-minded, local brands that share our core values.

"Saint Piran’s core team is Cornish and we’re very proud to be supporting such an ambitious team, helping to contribute to their wider success and achieving their goal of developing Cornish cycling talent.

“For us it isn’t just about putting our logo to something; we wanted to work with Saint Piran to raise the profile of Cornish cycling whilst creating a sustainable revenue channel to support their goal of developing Cornish cycling talent. 

"Therefore, all proceeds of the weekend’s cycling events will go directly to Saint Piran to help support this initiative.”

Will Harper, Pro Rider for Saint Piran, said: "The whole team is very excited to be partnering with Rattler Cornish Cloudy Cyder on what is set to be an epic weekend.

"I have personally ridden the 100-mile route and must say it's beautifully scenic and very challenging. I can't wait to ride it again alongside teammates, pro riders and our daring competitors!

"We are hugely grateful for the support of everyone at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, and we are really looking forward to helping grow the Rattler Pro Ride over the years."