WEDNESDAY'S BRITISH NEWS ROUND-UP

• Wednesday, 21 January 2009
• Andrew Canning
• 0 Comments

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SCOTT SUNDERLAND TO RIDE LONDON-PARIS
Scott Sunderland, one of the sport’s most prominent directeurs sportif has registered to take part in the London-Paris 2009.

Sunderland, who helped Carlos Sastre to his Tour de France win last July, said, “I’m really looking forward to getting back on the bike and returning to riding. Cycling is enjoying a huge surge in popularity in the UK, following the success in Beijing and I’m proud to be taking part in what is Britain’s top sportive”.

Sunderland will also join former Tour de France winner, Stephen Roche in the event.

“London-Paris attracts some of the very best former pro-riders and there’s no better place for the amateur cyclist to experience the excitement of professional road cycling,” said Sunderland.

See www.londres-paris.com for further details.

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BRITISH SQUAD PREPARES FOR RAAM
In June of this year, a team of six amateur Scottish cyclists will embark on an extraordinary journey by bike across the breadth of America.

As competitors in the 2009 Race Across America (RAAM), the Caledonian Chain Gang team of Andrew Bright, Charles Richardson, Dave Forrester, Peter Loft, Phil Hedley and Simon Taylor will cycle 3,000 miles from America’s Pacific to Atlantic coastlines.

Over 1500 cyclists have completed RAAM since its first edition in 1982. RAAM competitors can cycle solo or in teams of up to eight and endure extreme physical hardship, sleep deprivation and soaring temperatures whilst pedalling day and night.

They face challenges far beyond the realms of traditional road racing, including desert heat, prairie winds, rainstorms, tornadoes, altitude, dark of night and navigational issues. Teams typically cross the country in six to nine days, averaging 350 to more than 500 miles per day and follow a relay format racing 24 hours a day.

“The race seemed like a good idea,” said Simon Taylor. “I didn’t think anyone else would be up for it – a bit of machismo bluff that backfired!” The group will be riding in support a variety of different charities and have recently trained at the Manchester for the epic challenge that lies ahead of them.

“It’s great to see these guys take on such an exciting adventure,” explained BC Performance Director, Dave Brailsford. “This race will be a real test not just of their cycling ability but also of their mental strength and teamwork. We wish them all the best and hope that they achieve everything they have set out to do”.

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BMC UK RACING TEAM WELCOMES NEW SPONSOR
The new Premier Calendar squad, BMC, announced today a new team sponsor, in the shape of Thule.

Thule will provide the team with its elegant solution for transporting bikes on the roof of a car: the Thule ProRide 591.

“The team will be travelling across the UK in 2009 and it is vital that our BMC team bikes arrive safely and are firmly secured as we follow the action in the team vehicles,” explained team manager, Alan Rosner.

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A CLUB RIDE WITH A TOUCH OF STYLE
On Saturday January 24, the London Fixed Gear/Single Speed forum will host a Winter Dress Club Run, known as the ‘Tweed Run’.

A group of over 120 riders is expected to take part, all dressed in 1930/40s cycling gear for the social ride through London.

Fittingly, the ride will begin just before 2pm in front of H Huntsman & Sons at 11 Saville Row. The ride will then proceed through Central London, passing several key landmarks along the way.

“Although the main goal of the day is to have a bit of fun, we’re also trying to encourage more people to get out and ride bicycles,” explained organiser, Ted Young-Ing.

“We want to show people that you can bike around the city with a bit of style!”

The ride will benefit Bikes4Africa, a charity that provides quality, refurbished bikes to African secondary schools and training in bicycle maintenance.


If you have any British news you would like to share, please contact andrew_canning@ipcmedia.com

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