Blog. Inside Bike to Care 2026.
May 26, 2026 | Author Giuliana Vittiglio
Bike to Care 2026 will see hospitality professionals from across the globe take on their toughest challenge yet, a demanding 200km cycle through the hills of Champagne. We’re incredibly grateful that the UK team is fundraising for Hospitality Action again, this time via a spectacular online auction and £20 raffle, featuring exclusive experiences, luxury stays, fine wines and more! All funds raised will help hospitality people facing hardship, while supporting the team of riders taking on this year’s epic challenge. Ahead of their 1 June departure, we caught up with some of the Bike to Care team to hear why they’re taking part.
Mark Calver, Commercial Director, Hatch Mansfield
Could you give us an overview of Bike to Care 2026, its route, the story behind it, and what makes this year different from previous editions?
Bike to Care was created by Pierre-Henry Gagey of Maison Louis Jadot. During Covid, when hospitality globally was in a very frail position, Pierre-Henry and his friend from Chateau Haut Bailly, Veronique Saunders felt they needed to help the industry. Thus Bike to Care came into existence, a bike ride through the vineyards of Burgundy one year and Bordeaux the next, raising money for charity and comprised of teams from countries around the World.
In 2026 the 5th edition, after two rides in Burgundy and two rides in Bordeaux there has been a new addition in that the ride will take place in the vineyards of Champagne. This new region offers the cyclists addition challenges of more climbing as the region is rather hilly!
Whatever the terrain, the mission remains the same, raising as much money in the UK for Hospitality Action as is possible. To date the event has generated over £300k for Hospitality Action, this year that total will rise!
Joanne Taylor-Stagg, General Manager, Pennyhill Park
As a passionate cyclist who has taken part in challenges for us before, what does supporting Hospitality Action mean to you?
Supporting Hospitality Action is deeply personal to me and closely aligned with my belief in the Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because we are.” Hospitality is built on community, care and connection, and Hospitality Action embodies that spirit by standing beside people in our industry when they need it most.
As someone who has taken part in cycling challenges before, I see them as a fitting way to give back. They require commitment, resilience, and teamwork, the very qualities that mirror life in hospitality. Every mile, especially when going up a climb, is a reminder that individual effort, when combined with others, can create something truly meaningful.
I take great comfort in knowing that Hospitality Action supports anyone who has worked in hospitality, not just in moments of immediate crisis, but also later in life, including after retirement when people can be more vulnerable. That long-term, compassionate support makes every challenge worthwhile, and it’s why I’m so proud to be a Hospitality Action Ambassador.
Veryan Palmer, Family Director, The Headland
What inspired you to lead on the Bike to Care raffle this year, and has the level of industry support surprised you?
The Bike to Care raffle concept was born out of the idea that many of our fabulous hospitality team members recognise the wonderful work of Hospitality Action, and would love to support the fundraising done for the charity. With many of auction lots being out of reach for some people, offering the raffle opportunity for prizes local to those buying tickets means more supporters can participate. The generosity of so many businesses has been fantastic to see, and shows the dedication of all of the partners to the Hospitality Action fundraising cause!
John Stimpfig, Contributing Editor, The Wine Conversation
You have been instrumental in driving Bike to Care’s fundraising success, how does it feel knowing your efforts continue to make a such a positive difference to our industry?
It’s extremely rewarding to know that the time and effort invested into Bike to Care has helped raise vital funds for such an important charity. Hospitality people are known for their warmth, and seeing the industry come together with such generosity has been truly inspiring. Knowing that these funds will support hospitality professionals through hardship and mental health challenges makes the effort feel especially worthwhile. I’m proud to contribute to something that has such a positive impact. Being able to help create fundraising opportunities which have helped to raise thousands of pounds has made the experience even more meaningful.
Huge thanks to Mark, Joanne, Veryan and John for their incredible support, alongside fellow riders Aaron Turner of Hatch Mansfield, Grant Campbell of Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, Nicholas Davies of The Marylebone Hotel, Dan and Rohaise Rose-Bristow of The Torridon, Rob Flinter, David Connell of Exclusive Collection and Matt Winterton from Berry Bros. & Rudd. We wish the entire team the very best of luck as they take on this year’s epic Bike to Care challenge.
To take part in the online auction and/or enter the £20 raffle, click here.
To donate directly to the Bike to Care cyclists here.