Hundreds of cyclists got in the saddle yesterday (Sunday
21 August) for the challenge of a lifetime by completing
The Prostate Cancer Charity's Tour Ride in Wales, raising thousands
of pounds in doing so.
More than 300 riders took part in the region's inaugural Tour
Ride, experiencing part of the official Tour of Britain route for
the first time, ahead of the professionals in September. The ride
was backed by a host of celebrities, including Dame Shirley Bassey
and pop singer Alexandra Burke.
Riders were bathed in sunshine as they gathered from around the
region to take part in the ride. With Welshpool the start point for
the tough 180km Pro Ride and the 100km Challenge route beginning in
Builth Wells, the cyclists crossed the finish line in the grounds
of Caerphilly Castle.
Smooth Radio DJ and ambassador for The Prostate Cancer Charity,
Mark Goodier, was one of the people lining up to take on the 100km
challenge ride, from Builth Wells to Caerphilly. He said: "It is
definitely the hardest ride I have done in my life and I take my
hat off to the guys who did the 200km pro ride today. What kept me
going was the by the thought of my father-in-law who died from the
disease. I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the route - I
would love to see it again without being completely exhausted. I
have now four weeks to recover before I do it all again in
Stoke-on-Trent."
Among the riders taking on the 200km pro ride was Andrew Tucker,
32, from Nottingham who completed the course in six hours 25
minutes. He explains: "I found the end of the race very tough. I
have taken part in the Charity's ride in Stoke-on-Trent for the
past two years so I thought I knew what I was letting myself in for
but when I saw Caerphilly mountain looming in the distance, I had
never seen anything quite like it! Riding through the Brecon
Beacons was absolutely fantastic, I just had to get off my bike to
take a few pictures. So far I have raised over £600 for The
Prostate Cancer Charity and hope this will continue to grow over
the next few days."
Simon Downing, 34, and Jon Parker, 48, from car repair company,
Bodyshop Express, crossed the line together after completing the
100km challenge ride. Reflecting on the ride, Simon said: "I lost
my father-in-law to prostate cancer five years ago and wanted to do
something to remember him. It was a fantastic route and I really
enjoyed cycling through the Brecon Beacons."
Jon added: "Together we have raised over £2,000 for The Prostate
Cancer Charity and I hope this figure will continue to rise over
the next few days when people see the pictures of the mountains we
tackled along the way."
Today's ride was the second of this summer's Tour Rides after a
successful event was staged in East Anglia last month.
Speaking from the finish line in Caerphilly, Katie Robbins, Tour
of Britain Project Manager at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said:
"It's fantastic to see so many people taking to their bikes to
raise funds for such an important cause. It's been exciting to
bring a Tour Ride to Wales for the first time and the local people
have really embraced the event with enthusiasm.
"A huge thank you to all the riders that took part today and their
friends and family that came down to cheer them on. Please keep
your sponsorship money coming in - it's not too late to show the
Charity your support and there are great incentives
available!"
Following yesterday's event, there are three further Tour Rides
across the country this year, taking place in Scotland, London and
Stoke-on-Trent, to raise funds to help the Charity fight the most
common cancer in men in the UK.
For further information, please visit www.tourride.co.uk