With MIPIM 2023 just under a month away, we’re once again gearing up to take part in this year’s Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM.

Representing Civic Engineers in the iconic seven day cycling relay, Simon Keating, a Senior Transport Engineer in our London studio, will be cycling 1500km from London to Cannes, raising vital funds for Club Peloton and helping to transform many young lives through the various projects the charity and real estate cycling community supports.

Taking the scenic route to Cannes, this year’s riders will enjoy a new route from London and an extra day of riding, with 85 participants split across four teams. Simon, currently in the throes of a very unexpected training programme, will be taking part in the ride for the first time after stepping in late in the day for Director Andrew Ruck, who unfortunately had to pull out of the race following a recent injury.

From biblical rains to exhilarating descents, last year our Directors, Gareth Atkinson and James Bruce, raised an incredible £11,350 between them when they joined forces with the Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM team.

Sharing why he wanted to step-up and take over from Andrew following his injury, Simon shared, ”We were all disappointed to hear that Andrew wasn’t able to continue with the race, and following all his fantastic fundraising efforts and being surrounded by a team with lots of highly motivated cyclists in our London studio, I felt inspired to give it a go and take part in something that looks like an amazing experience for all involved.

“Due to the late nature of me signing up, I haven’t done the usual MIPIM winter training programme but following a winter of my usual off-road cycling, including cyclocross training sessions, an offroad form of bike racing that that involves cycling across muddy fields and running with your bike over obstacles, I feel slightly less daunted than I should considering the lack of specific preparation ahead of this major challenge. I also did some cross-country skiing over the Christmas break which balanced out the calorie intake. I know from my colleagues that have taken part in previous years that it will be an incredible experience but also a real test of endurance, for mind, legs, body and bottom for sure.”

A keen cyclist, Simon shared that almost twelve years ago he spent time as a tour guide across France, including Normandy, Brittany and Provence, helping a friend route-plan for a high-end cycle tour company he had set-up. With the training well underway, experience of cycling in beautiful France and a team all set to champion Simon’s sign-up to the 85-strong participants list, we’ll all be rooting for Simon as he gears up to take part.

Stay tuned for more updates on Simon and Club Peloton’s preparation in the run-up to setting off.

To support and donate to Simon’s Just Giving page, please see link below…

Simon Keating is fundraising for Club Peloton (justgiving.com)