Day one of this year’s Frank Knight Cycle to MIPIM didn’t quite go to plan, with snowy conditions in Kent meaning organisers made the difficult decision to call off today’s ride.

With much of the country waking up to snow this morning amid the latest artic blast, the South was no exception. Despite that, kitted up and arriving at Herne Hill Velodrome ready for departure was of course our very own Simon Keating, who will be representing Civic Engineers in the seven-day cycling relay. With treacherous conditions even arriving at the starting point (cue lots of dismounting and catching public transport to make it there in one piece!), by 8am the news was made official that no one would be cycling today.

Although disappointing, the riders understood the safety first call and decided to use the time to talk tactics and tips over an early lunch. Hitching a ride in the Knight Frank electric taxi, Simon and the rest of the riders quickly began looking ahead to tomorrow and better conditions across the channel. Catching the transport over to France using the Channel Tunnel, all riders are currently en-route to France, and looking forward to catching up over dinner in their Calais hotel.

Turning an obstacle into an opportunity, today has so far given everyone a head start on getting to know each other and navigating bumps in the road on this epic challenge, together! Stay tuned for more insight into day two tomorrow.

To support and donate to first-time Cycle to MIPIM rider Simon’s Just Giving page, please see link below…

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