The riders on the 2026 Ciclo Italiano will be fuelled by BOOST Energy and Sport as they raise money for the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.
BOOST is one of the UK’s leading functional drinks brands on an incredible growth journey since foundation in 2001 – and this year has become the official sports and energy drink of the Betfred Super League through a partnership with Rugby League Commercial.
The Ciclo Italiano will be the first time the RL Cares annual cycling challenge has landed in Italy, with a circular five-day ride from Pisa through the glorious heart of Tuscany, taking in the cities of Florence and Arezzo, and the stunning medieval hill towns of San Quirico and San Gimignano.
All proceeds from the ride will go to the Benevolent Fund which supports seriously-injured players and their families, and now links to the Brain Health Fund which was set up two years ago.
Nav Uppal, Partnerships Manager at Rugby League Cares, said:
“BOOST have already made a great impact on Rugby League this year through their new partnership with Rugby League Commercial, and we’re delighted that they are also backing the Ciclo Italiano.
“The scenery in Tuscany may be spectacular but our riders have also taken on a tough physical challenge to show their commitment to raising money to help seriously-injured Rugby League players and their families through the Benevolent Fund – so they will be especially grateful to have BOOST’s energy and sports drinks to keep them fuelled up.”
The BOOST range spans energy, isotonic sport, functional waters, hydration and energy powders and iced coffee drinks.
Lisa McKenna, Brand Director at AG Barr, said: “We are proud to see BOOST powering the Ciclo Italiano this Summer. Our partnership with the Betfred Super League is all about energy and performance, so extending that support to the RL Cares riders as they tackle the demanding Tuscan terrain for such a vital cause is a perfect fit. We know how much grit it takes to complete a challenge like this, and we’re honored to keep the team hydrated and energised along the way.”
You can support RL Cares and the Benevolent Fund here – Ciclo Italiano 2026 Cycling Challenge - JustGiving
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