Television presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant JJ Chalmers is backing Poppyscotland’s upcoming Sportive as the charity celebrates the 10th anniversary of the popular event.
The former Royal Marines Commando and Invictus Games Medallist is encouraging individuals, families, local groups or workmates to support the Armed Forces charity by signing up to take part in the cycle, which will take place this year on Sunday, September 21.
The Sportive is Poppyscotland’s flagship cycling event, featuring four routes designed for different ability levels. It is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68 and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).
As in previous years, riders will line up at the starting point in Prestonpans, East Lothian, then head along the historic coastal route to North Berwick, where Classic route participants will face a timed hill climb before reaching the first feed station at East Linton.
From there, the short route continues to Gifford, while medium and long routes head towards Garvald before splitting at Whiteadder Reservoir, with the longer challenge heading to Duns and medium returning to Gifford. All routes finish in Prestonpans.
New for 2025, the Wee Yin route will take cyclists inland to Gullane before heading back towards Aberlady and then on to the coastal path. This route is largely flat and ideal for anyone wanting a family activity, looking for an easy ride, or a fun, challenging activity to do at the weekend.
Television personality JJ suffered life-changing injuries after being blown up by an IED in Afghanistan. After months of rehabilitation, he went on to captain the trike team at the Invictus Games, receiving a gold medal in the men’s IRecB1 Recumbent Circuit Race. He also won bronze in the 1-mile time trial and in the 4 x 100 mixed relay race.
JJ is a big supporter of Poppyscotland and is urging people to come out and take part in the 10th edition of Sportive.
He said: “Once again this year I am working with the national charity Poppyscotland, who of course support the Armed Forces community whether that’s serving or veteran or indeed their families, and I would love to encourage you to sign up for their really popular Sportive.
“It’s a cycling event taking place on Sunday 21st September. There are four different routes, so it’s for all abilities and there’s something there for everyone.
“I would encourage you to get your friends, family involved. Maybe get your old oppos (your mates from the military) together and it’s the 10th anniversary so the perfect opportunity to come and join an amazing community. So, if you are interested head over to the website poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive.”
Poppyscotland Events Fundraising Manager, Richard Todd, said: “We’re really excited to celebrate the 10th edition of the Sportive and to grow the event with our new Wee Yin route.
“We hope to mark this anniversary year by raising as much as possible in support of our Armed Forces community, and we would be delighted if those signing up to take part would also consider setting up fundraising pages and challenging themselves with a donation target.
“As little as £100 goes a long way in helping us to provide much needed support to both serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families in areas like housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.
“If fundraising is not for you, perhaps when you register you’d consider adding a £10 donation per rider. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!”
Entry for our Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16). The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (2 adults & 2 children). Minimum age is 12 and entry is free for riders under 16.
Entry Includes: Electronic timing; mechanical support; food and water stations; coffee at the start; Tea & Toast at the finish; ‘King and Queen of The Heugh’ timed hill climb; sweeper service and a finishers gift.
To sign up today, please visit: poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive