The Data Centre Cycling Club (DC.CC) will return to the French Riviera in 2026, bringing together 17 riders from 9 companies across the global data centre industry for a three-day charity cycling challenge. The event takes place in Cannes during the lead-up to Datacloud Global Congress 2026, and has been designed to unite people from across the sector through physical challenge, shared purpose and charitable fundraising.
Now in its fourth year, DC.CC was founded by Tom Babbington with a clear ambition to unite the data centre industry in a shared challenge to build community, encourage wellbeing and raise vital funds for causes that genuinely matter. Since launch, the ride has grown year-on-year in both participation and support, attracting riders and sponsors from businesses across the global sector.
This year all rides start from Cannes, taking in some of the French Riviera’s most celebrated cycling terrain. With routes including the iconic Col de la Madone, the dramatic Gorges du Loup, coastal roads along the Mediterranean and an ascent of Mont Vinaigre, those participating will complete approximately 500km and 7,644 metres of elevation between May 29th and May 31st.
The ride will be led by Marcus Cram, son of world record-breaking British athlete Steve Cram, an experienced event manager and competitive cyclist in his own right who returns as tour lead. He is joined by Rachel Galler, the current UK National Hill Climb Champion and an elite bike racer, who takes on the role of dedicated guide.
“When I founded the Data Centre Cycling Club, I believed our industry was full of people who love a challenge, love a cause and love the opportunity to come together through cycling. Year after year, that belief continues to be proven right. This event is about much more than the kilometres we ride- it’s about building connections across the industry and supporting a charity carrying out life-changing work for children and families. The French Riviera provides an incredible backdrop for the challenge ahead, and we’re hugely grateful to every rider, sponsor and supporter helping make this year’s event possible.” said Tom Babbington, Founder, Data Centre Cycling Club.
DC.CC to support Action Medical Research for Children
All funds raised through DC.CC 2026 go to Action Medical Research, a UK charity that has been funding vital medical research for more than 70 years. The charity’s work has contributed to breakthroughs including the development of polio vaccines, advances in meningitis treatment and the introduction of ultrasound scanning in pregnancy — research that has shaped the lives of children and families for generations.
Lucy Holloway, Corporate Partnerships & Events Management Executive, Action Medical Research, said:
“Action Medical Research is proud to be the charity partner for the Cannes Data Centre Charity Cycle 2026 and to be supported by a passionate and committed community from across the global data centre industry. The scale of this year’s challenge, with 17 riders from nine companies taking on 500km and more than 7,600 metres of climbing across the French Riviera, is a remarkable demonstration of determination and generosity.
For more than 70 years, Action Medical Research has funded vital research that has helped save and change children’s lives, from pioneering work to tackle the devastation caused by premature birth to funding research to help children with rare conditions. Support from initiatives like DC.CC helps us to continue funding the next generation of medical breakthroughs for babies, children and families across the UK. We’re hugely grateful to every rider, sponsor and supporter taking part in this year’s event.”
A cycling event to celebrate a major data centre industry conference
In its in augural year, the DC.CC Tour of Europe set off from Amsterdam to ride 1600km to Monaco timed to arrive with the opening of Datacloud Global Congress. By the time the six starting riders reached their destination, the riding group had swollen to 14, a detail that perhaps best captures the organic, word-of-mouth spirit at DC.CC’s core.
This year’s 17 riders (along with the 2 guides) represent the largest field yet — and as Tom Babbington noted in his letter to this year’s riders, the French Riviera is “a backdrop that needs no introduction”. Whether riders are here for the hills, the camaraderie or the cause, that spirit of shared challenge remains the heart of everything DC.CC stands for.
DC.CC 2026 is supported by sponsors from across the data centre industry, including Adaptive MDC, Pentagon Technical Services, EAE Group, Ridge & Partners, Spa Communications, GagaMuller, Kolo DC, Zauner Group, B + R Architects. Each sponsoring company has a representative participating in the ride, reflecting a shared commitment to community, wellbeing and charitable giving.
To support the fundraiser or find out more, visit.