All Roads Lead to Rome

Doddie Aid might have finished, but for Rob Wainwright the challenge has just begun.

Following on from the success of the Doddie Cup 555 ride in 2023, Rob is set on his biggest cycling challenge for the Foundation yet - All Roads Lead to Rome 2024.

As well as taking on the ride himself, he’s asking others to channel their inner-adventurer in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The challenge he’s set for the teams is ‘simple’: Get to Piazza Navona in Rome by 5pm on Friday 8th March for a celebratory limoncello. But there is one rule - participants can’t get there by air!

Rob's core team, which includes rugby legends Stuart Hogg and Gordon D’arcy, will be leaving on Monday 4th of March from Oban and riding in continuous relay for four days, carrying the match ball for the Scotland vs Italy Six Nations match on 9 March.

An additional 18 teams of cyclists have risen to the challenge, setting their own route and pace. Some are setting off on a solo ride across Europe, while others are taking the scenic route, such as Dodd1e’5 Gr4nd S7am who will visit all Six Nation stadiums on route.

As part of the celebrations, Rob is inviting all rugby fans in Rome to two memorable events over the weekend:

  • 8 March, 5pm: Welcome the core team into Rome as they arrive with the match ball at Piazza Navona.
  • 9 March, noon for 12.15pm: Join thousands of Scottish Rugby fans as we meet at the Piazza del Popolo a couple of hours before the Scotland vs Italy match kicks off and march en-masse in Doddie headbands to the Stadio Olympico.

Long-term supporters of the Foundation might remember a similarly popular event in Rome led by Rob Wainwright in 2018, dubbed ‘The March of 1000 Headbands’.

You can support this epic adventure by visiting the All Roads Lead to Rome JustGiving page.

Doddie Cup 555 ride in 2023
Doddie Cup 555 ride in 2023
Phil Vickery, Rob Wainwright, HRH The Princess Royal, Carl Hogg
Phil Vickery, Rob Wainwright, HRH The Princess Royal, Carl Hogg

FAQs

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up in 2017 by former Scotland rugby player, Doddie Weir and friends following his motor neuron disease diagnosis (MND). From the outset, Doddie was committed to help fellow sufferers and drive research into this, as yet, incurable disease. 

To date, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has committed over £11 million to fund vital research as well as 2 million to support people living with the disease. The Foundation’s vision is a World Free of MND and won’t stop funding research until this has been achieved.

There have been a number of rides organised by Rob Wainwright, all of which follow a similar theme of cycling between two stadiums with the match ball for a Six Nations fixture. Previous routes have included Twickenham to Edinburgh, and Edinburgh to Cardiff. 

All Roads Lead to Rome is the largest and most ambitious attempt so far and the first time the riders have ventured into mainland Europe. 

Entry for teams and participants has now closed, however, you are welcome to support the efforts of the teams by following them on social media and donating via the link below.

All of the teams taking part in All Roads Lead to Rome are committed to fundraising for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. One of the key sources of fundraising is recruiting sponsors to support these efforts. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please contact Ian Fraser on: ianmfraser@me.com

Over the course of the All Roads Lead to Rome challenge, there will be an online auction, which will raise additional funds which you can visit here: www.sliderstock.com/rome. If you do have any auction prizes you’d like to donate (however small), please contact info@doddieaid.com with details of the prize so that the team can add it to the platform. 

Absolutely, the team would love your support – it makes a real difference and there’s nothing like celebrating the end of an epic challenge with fellow supporters. 

The core team aims to arrive at 5pm on 8 March at Piazza Navona, Rome. A number of other teams may also arrive at the same time too. They will all also be taking part in the march to the stadium the following day which departs from Piazza del Popolo at 12.15pm. 

Once the challenge starts, you will be able to track the teams live using the link below: 

https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/all-roads-lead-to-rome-2024/?54.206033,-3.150687,5

Partners

Logan-sports-marketing

Photography

Thanks to A View From My Camera and Craig Watson for contributions.

Charity Number:

SC 047871

Charity Number: SC 047871

Contact

Email: info@doddieaid.com
c/o Gilson Gray LLP
29 Rutland Square
Edinburgh, EH1 2BW

© 2024 My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. All rights reserved

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