Researchers on Track at Tour de 4 2025

On Sunday 7 September 2025, Prostate Cancer UK headed to Glasgow to support those taking part in Tour de 4  - a cycling initiative born from Sir Chris Hoy’s vision to change perceptions around stage 4 cancer, following his own prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023.

More than 5,000 cyclists embarked on the challenging 56-mile ride, setting off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, passing through the scenic Campsie Glens, and finishing back at the velodrome. 

A 650-strong contingent rode for Prostate Cancer UK, alongside riders supporting Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan, and Maggie’s.

The locals lined the streets with the hope of seeing Sir Chris Hoy along with other famous names, including Sir Andy Murray, Dame Sarah Storey, Mark Cavendish, Mark Beaumont, Louise Minchin, Sir Steve Redgrave, Dan Walker, and many, many more.

The Prostate Cancer UK team were grateful to have some of our Scottish-based volunteers helping out at the cheer point and feed station, including Nicola Orr from the Patient Representative Network and Stuart Hedley, who is one of our Patient and Public Involvement Representatives. Our brilliant Prostate Cancer UK-funded researchers from the University of Glasgow, Dr Asma Ahmed Hassan Elshiekh and Dr Richa Vasan from Professor Imran Ahmad's lab, also supported at the station. 

Dr Kirsteen Goodman, a Prostate Cancer UK-funded researcher from Professor Anne Kiltie's lab at the University of Aberdeen, was riding alongside her husband, and friends.

Kirsteen said: "Sir Chris is an inspiration, so I jumped at the chance to take part in this incredible event to raise money for prostate cancer. Tour de 4 is an experience I will never forget — cycling 91km and sharing stories with complete strangers along the way was both emotional and amazing.”

In typical west-coast Scottish weather, it was dreich, but the spirits of participants and supporters were far from dampened! At the cheer station, riders had the chance to dry off after some heavy morning downpours, refuel, and take a comfort break before tackling the final hill of the event. This also gave our volunteers the opportunity to chat with the riders and hear the stories behind their motivation for taking part, many of which were emotional and deeply inspiring. 

Dr Asma Ahmed Hassan Ahmed commented that "I was truly touched by the riders' commitment and how they welcomed the cheer stations support with gratitude and a big smile - even though they were doing all the hard work, and we were just cheering and encouraging them."

Our very own Dr Hayley Luxton, Head of Research Impact & Engagement, was one of the Prostate Cancer UK cyclists taking part. She commented that "it was nice to see friendly faces at the last cheer point, giving encouragement and support to get me to the finish line."

A huge thank you to all the cyclists who took part and to every volunteer who helped make the event possible - it was a truly wonderful and unforgettable day!