TWO Skipton sporting events have the backing of both Craven District Council and Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.

The two bodies have agreed to form a partnership for Skipton Triathlon and Le Petit Depart.

Sue Ryder Manorlands will be able to use the events to raise funds, and participants will be able to raise money for the charity with sponsorship forms, online fundraising and donations on entry.

The Skipton Triathlon will take place on Sunday, April 14 and usually attracts around 900 entrants, while Le Petit Depart cycling sportive will take place on Sunday, June 2 and normally attracts around 700 entrants.

Councillor Linda Brockbank, the council’s lead member for resilient communities, said: “We’re delighted to form this partnership with Sue Ryder Manorlands, who will be our designated charity in 2019. Manorlands needs to raise £2.1 million per year to provide essential specialist care and support to those who need it.

“We know Skipton Triathlon and Le Petit Depart are really popular events every year and we hope participants will be able to support this very worthwhile charity as much as they can.”

Joanna Longden, Community Services Manager for Sue Ryder Manorlands, said: “We are really excited to be the designated charity for these events in Skipton.”

Skipton Triathlon is a pool-based, sprint triathlon, ideal for beginners and elite athletes alike. Competitors take on a 400m swim in the Craven Leisure pool, a 21km bike ride on local roads, and a 5km run around Aireville Park.

Le Petit Depart starts in Skipton and goes into the Dales, with four routes available this year - 38 miles, 49 miles, 80 miles or 100 miles.

Both events are already held with volunteer support from Craven Energy, Friends of Aireville Park and Skipton Athletics Club for the Skipton Triathlon and in partnership with Skipton Cycling Club for Le Petit Depart. To book a place email molly.ralphson@suerydercare.org by the end of January.