A host of international sporting stars will take to the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on Thursday for the annual 12-hour Cyclothon UK race, and will raise vital charity funds in the process.

Created by former England Rugby prop Victor Ubogu as a competitive event for cycling enthusiasts, riding alongside him this Thursday will be former England Captain Mike Tindall MBE, retired England World Cup finalist Lee Mears, and England Women’s Rugby Captain and World Cup finalist Catherine Spencer. The entry also includes Scott Hastings, one of Scotland’s most capped players, who has also appeared on two British Lions tours. England soccer star and Sky TV pundit John Salako is also set to saddle-up.

Cyclothon UK is billed as a luxury event for those taking part, with top class facilities on offer to riders. Adding to the endurance challenge is the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, with demanding climbs and sweeping turns as it winds through the Kent countryside. Parts of the course were used for the Paralympic Games two years ago, and the venue was praised at the time as the best yet.

Cyclothon UK events have so far helped raise over £150,000 for various causes. These include the RFU Injured Player’s Foundation, which has entered teams every year as they work to raise funds for catastrophically injured rugby players.

Cyclothon UK will also revive old sporting rivalries from the Rugby field with the Home Nations Trophy, which includes teams from England, Wales and Scotland.

Ubogu said: “A lot of my old rugby mates have got into cycling and every year we get more and more ex-players looking to race in Cyclothon. We launched the Home Nations Trophy as I was confident that my fine squad of English Bulldogs would conquer the track. We are ready this year to steal the cup away from the Welsh.”

Whilst entries to the event closed some time ago, Cyclothon UK organisers welcome spectators to come to the event to cheer on the sporting celebrities and charities taking part. Entry to the venue is free from 7:30am until the award presentation ceremony on the podium at 7:30pm.