AFPA Trust announces BIG Cycle 2027 from London to Brussels

The AFPA Trust has announced the return of its BIG Charity Cycle in 2027, with riders set to take on a new route from London to Brussels from 19–23 May.

Following previous challenges to Paris in 2025 and Amsterdam in 2026, the latest edition will take the asset finance community through England, France and Belgium over three days of cycling, culminating with a finish at Brussels’ historic Grand Place.

Designed for both experienced cyclists and first-time long-distance riders, participants will ride in guided groups led by professional cyclists, with an option to choose between medium and longer routes on the second day.

Robert Taylor, Chair of the AFPA Trust, said: “The BIG Cycle has become a fantastic way of bringing the asset finance community together while raising money for causes that genuinely make a difference. After the success of Paris and Amsterdam, we wanted to create another memorable challenge for 2027, and London to Brussels gives us the opportunity to do exactly that.”

Mark Lyons, Organiser of the BIG Cycle, added: “What makes the event so special is the camaraderie between everyone taking part. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or tackling a challenge like this for the first time, everyone supports each other along the way. We’re looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new riders in 2027 and, most importantly, raising as much as we can for charity.”

The challenge begins on Thursday 20 May with an approximately 136km (85-mile) ride from London through the Kent countryside to Dover, followed by a ferry to Calais.

The following day, riders will cover around 124km (77 miles) from Calais to Kortrijk, with the option of an additional 25km detour taking in the iconic Roubaix Velodrome.

The final stage will see participants cycle approximately 110km (68 miles) from Kortrijk to Brussels, passing through the famous cycling region around Oudenaarde before crossing the finish line at the Grand Place.

At the heart of the event is fundraising for the AFPA Trust and its charitable work. In 2025, the Trust supported 46 charities, donating a total of £160,398. Riders taking the fundraising option for the 2027 challenge will raise a minimum of £1,451 for the Trust, with any amount above this being shared with a rider’s chosen charity.

Full details of rider packages, costs and sponsorship opportunities are available in the BIG Charity Cycle 2027 flyer below.

To register or find out more, contact mark@marklyonsrecruitment.com or visit the AFPA Trust events page.

AFPA The Big Cycle Flyer 2027 Download