- A tour of the Basque region of Spain to the bustling capital of Madrid awaits riders raising funds to help sick and disabled children
- Now in its 10th year, Ziggurat has raised £1.3 million to date
- The ride's main sponsors are Brett Group, Day Group and Maylim
- James Day, Managing Director of Day Group, will be joined on the ride by his son Sam who was born early at just 33 weeks.
Action Medical Research is thrilled to announce the return of Ziggurat, the networking cycling event for professionals in the construction and built environment sectors. Now in its 10th year, it has raised an incredible £1.3 million to date.
Ziggurat 2026 will take place from 23 –27 September 2026, offering participants an unforgettable four-day tour through the hills and valleys of the Basque region of Spain to reach Madrid.
It’s all in support of 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 is 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:
“Reaching this 10-year milestone is a fantastic achievement and a testament to everyone who has organised, supported and taken part in the Ziggurat Ride over the past decade. Together, they have raised vital funds to improve the lives of sick babies, children and their families.
“It is such a worthwhile cause as the work that Action Medical Research does affects so many, and we are incredibly proud to have been there from the very beginning as a founding member.”
This year’s ride will cover 340 miles and include 5,700m of climbing, with the route starting on the northern coast at the port of Bilbao. Riders then proceed into the Castile and León region, known for its medieval castles and historical significance, before ending in Madrid.
More than 70 riders are expected to take part, and the event is fully supported and professionally managed by the Action Medical Research cycling team, ensuring a safe, seamless and memorable experience.
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 - will be joining the ride in Spain.
When the pair were born on Boxing Day 1998 at The Whittington Hospital in London, Toby weighed just 2lb 12oz while Sam was 4lbs 3oz. They spent five weeks in the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) and suffered a number of setbacks; Toby had necrotising enterocolitis, known as NEC, a serious intestinal condition that fortunately did not require surgery.
"It was a hugely traumatic time,” recalls James. “When they came home, they were both still under 5lbs; by the time they were six months old, they were still under 7lbs.
"It was a very tough first year, but they wouldn't be here at all if it hadn't been for the ultrasound scans that enable monitoring during pregnancy, and the care they received in the NICU."
James is looking forward to heading to Spain in September. "The event is great fun and it does resonate with me, " he says.
"It is incredible the amount of time, expense and commitment that goes into developing all these aspects of critical care. That is why Action Medical Research is my company’s main charity, and why we are proud to be involved in this event."
Sarah Stevenson, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Action Medical Research, says:
"Ziggurat continues to combine spectacular cycling routes with networking, while raising vital funds to help children who depend on breakthroughs made possible by Action Medical Research.
"We started this ride a decade ago – I was there from the start, and we’ve seen it go from strength to strength. The networking out on the road has been a particular highlight during that time. It’s always a joy to bring the industry together for a shared purpose, and I can’t wait to explore this region with our epic team of riders.”
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.
There are still spaces to take part in this unique industry ride. To find out more and sign up, visit https://action.org.uk/events/corporate-events/ziggurat
Action Medical Research is also looking for partners to support this unique event. If you want a slice of the action, contact SStevenson@action.org.uk or download our Become A Partner info pack.