- More than 70 riders joined Ziggurat, a tour of the Basque region of Spain to the bustling capital of Madrid, to fund research to help sick and disabled babies and children
- The ride's main sponsors are Brett Group, Day Group and Maylim
- James Day, Managing Director of Day Group, was joined on the ride by son Sam, who was born early at just 33 weeks.
The tenth edition of epic cycling challenge Ziggurat has raised more than £260,000 for children's charity Action Medical Research.
The networking cycling event for professionals in the construction and built environment sectors took place from 23 –27 September 2026. More than 70 riders joined a four-day tour through the hills and valleys of the Basque region of Spain to reach Madrid.
The ride raised funds for Action Medical Research, which has helped pioneer ways to prevent disease and develop treatments benefiting millions of people for over 70 years. Its research has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound in pregnancy, fight meningitis and prevent stillbirths.
Ziggurat 2026 was made possible thanks to the generous support of its main partners Brett Group, Day Group and Maylim, as well as supporting partners Herbosch-Kiere and Stortford Interiors.
Bill Brett, Chairman, Brett Group, says: "Brett is so pleased to support Ziggurat and Action Medical Research again this year. Raising more than £260,000 is a remarkable achievement and reflects the dedication of everyone who took part and succeeded on this very challenging ride. Most importantly, the money raised will help support vital medical research for sick and disabled children.”
This year’s ride covered 340 miles and included 5,700m of climbing, with the route starting on the northern coast at the port of Bilbao. Riders then proceeded into the Castile and León region, known for its medieval castles and historical significance, before ending in Madrid.
James Day, Managing Director of Day Group, is dad to twins Sam and Toby who were born at 33 weeks. They are now aged 27, and Sam – who has already completed Ziggurat twice – joined his dad on the ride in Spain. James says: "I’d like to thank everyone who supported us on the 10th anniversary of Ziggurat for Action Medical Research, a charity that means a great deal to me personally and to Day Group.
"I would also like to congratulate the team who took on this year’s challenge – probably the toughest ride yet – the fundraising effort has been exceptional."
Sarah Stevenson, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Action Medical Research, adds: "We are so grateful to all our riders for their support – it was a challenging ride but incredibly rewarding. Ziggurat sets the bar for what a networking ride should be, combining spectacular routes with the chance to meet people in the same industry who share the same purpose: to raise vital funds to help sick babies and children."
Funds raised through Ziggurat help Action Medical Research continue its critical work funding medical research to fight rare and devastating childhood conditions. Whether supporting breakthroughs in premature birth, brain injury or rare diseases, every mile cycled helps save and change lives.