Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell today, Sunday June 19, led 500 cyclists into Land’s End to complete their 1,000 mile, nine-day epic journey from John O’Groats.
The group of cyclists, which also includes Paralympic gold medallists Sarah Storey and Danny Crates, began their journey on Saturday 11 June and have spent nine days pedalling the length of the country to complete the Deloitte Ride Across Britain.
The riders have raised over £300,000 which, when added to the money raised last year, gives an incredible total of £709,920.68 for ParalympicsGB, the event’s benefitting charity.
Deloitte Ride Across Britain was meticulously mapped to take riders on the safest route through some of Britain’s finest scenery. Beginning in John O’Groats, cyclists made their way down through Scotland and past iconic sights such as Loch Ness, before dropping in to the rolling green hills of England and finally arriving at the southern tip of the United Kingdom, Land’s End.
The riders ended each day at a pre-installed base camp which provided overnight accommodation as well as somewhere to secure bikes, use showers and toilets, wash and dry clothes, enjoy food and drink and the chance to relax with fellow cyclists. Throughout the event riders were kept safe and supported by the crew which included medics, outriders, support cars, bike mechanics from Halfords, and Physiotherapists.
James Cracknell, co-founder of Threshold Sports, the company behind the event said:
“Our aim for Deloitte Ride Across Britain was to raise £1m over four years, and two years in we are over two thirds of the way there.
“This next year is massive for Britain in terms of sport, it should be inspiring the nation to get involved and challenge themselves. We feel we have created an event that allows people to push themselves to the limit and do something to be proud of.
“There have been some amazing personal stories out there of people overcoming adversity to ride. It has been incredibly emotional for those taking part and taken them to places they have never been before both physically and emotionally. It’s an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. For some, one that has been life changing.
“Deloitte Ride Across Britain offers a safe and supportive environment for people to feel confident that they can go for the challenge. The base camps had such a great atmosphere as friendships were struck up and experiences shared throughout the journey. People are already signing up for the Deloitte Ride Across Britain 2012.”
Tim Reddish, Chairman of ParalympicsGB, said: “Deloitte Ride Across Britain has made a fundamental difference to the preparations we can provide to British Paralympic athletes ahead of the home Games in London 2012, and we’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has supported us. With such a huge team of Deloitte RAB riders behind us, we’re confident that we will be able to support our athletes to achieve their best when it matters most, changing perceptions towards disability sport through their performances. Importantly, the world of Paralympic sport continues after 2012 to Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016, so we strongly urge anyone who’s up for the challenge to sign up to Deloitte RAB 2012 and help to support ParalympicsGB beyond London.”
Deloitte Ride Across Britain is an event that spans all ages, and caters for the elite down to the everyday cycling enthusiast. The youngest cyclist this year was eighteen, with the eldest a commendable seventy-one. Elite and amateur rode in unison down the length of the country, encouraging each other along the way.
Danny Crates, Paralympic athletics gold medallist said: “As a non-cyclist going in to Deloitte Ride Across Britain, my ambition was to sit back and enjoy the scenery, meet lots of people and relish the challenge of such an epic ride. This event has surpassed all my expectations: the atmosphere on the Ride has been incredible, and the camaraderie between the riders has helped me through the past nine days. I can truly say I am now a passionate cyclist, and I feel honoured to have taken part in Deloitte RAB and ridden alongside 500 inspirational people.”
The Ride is sponsored by professional services firm Deloitte, which has been involved in disability sport since 2006. Deloitte has supported all levels of disability sport, from initial participation right through to the podium.
Heather Hancock, Managing Partner for Talent and Brand at Deloitte, said: “Everyone at Deloitte is so proud that we’ve put our name to the Deloitte Ride Across Britain. The 500-strong field of riders have ridden through sun, strong wind and pouring rain over 953 miles to get to Land’s End – and the fact that they’ve raised over £700,000 for ParalympicsGB in the process is phenomenal. It’s important to us that the money raised not only goes to delivering the best prepared team to London 2012, but that through the performance of the athletes, they inspire a new generation to take up disability sport.”
To sign up for Deloitte Ride Across Britain 2012 visit www.rideacrossbritain.com
For all event photos please visit www.digitalnewsagency.com and click on the Deloitte Ride Across Britain Featured Story, scroll down to see all downloadable images.
Follow the event online on the official Deloitte Ride Across Britain Facebook page and Twitter via #DeloitteRAB.
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