16 Jun 2010

The South West Tour Ride

CYCLISTS from Devon who sign up for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride in the region will have the chance to win a Tour Of Britain points jersey signed by last year’s Yellow Jersey winner.

The South West Tour Ride, on Sunday 5 September, is one of three cycling events being staged around the country as part of the charity’s Unite By Cycling initiative. It aims to raise funds and awareness of the disease by bringing people together on two wheels.

The South West Tour Ride will take people on a scenic route through Devon and Somerset, offering a unique opportunity for riders of all abilities to experience all or part of Stage Four of The Tour of Britain from Minehead to Teignmouth, just days before the professional riders take to the roads.

Riders can either attempt the Pro Ride, tackling the full 175km, or the Challenge Ride, taking in the last 70km, from Honiton to Teignmouth. Participants from Devon who enter for either of these distances will automatically be entered into a draw for a jersey signed by Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen, who took the Stage win in Bideford last year on his way to winning the overall Yellow Jersey in The Tour of Britain 2009.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure this jersey for cyclists from Devon. It’s a great incentive for people from the county to sign up and be part of this prestigious event. Not only will people be helping a very worthwhile charity but there’s the chance to walk away with a great memento. The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride offers a real taste of what the professionals will be put through on one of the South West Stages, and with distances catering for cyclists of all abilities it, will provide a really enjoyable day of cycling.”

John Neate, The Prostate Cancer Charity’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be entering our second year of partnership with The Tour of Britain and we are thrilled to be heading to the South West for the first time this year. Devon and Somerset County Councils have been incredibly supportive towards Unite By Cycling and we are very grateful for their efforts in helping to make The South West Tour Ride a huge success. We are really hoping to get as many cyclists as possible to take part in the event. Whether people want to pit themselves against the pros or enjoy a leisurely ride with their family, the Tour Ride is offering something for everyone. The scenery along the route is stunning and the event promises to be a fun and exciting day for all. With the added bonus of being in with the chance of winning the signed points jersey, we are hoping that people will sign up and help put their region on the map today.”

Devon and Somerset County Councils are hosting another two stages of The Tour of Britain in the South West this year on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 September, covering around 216 miles (347km) of the two counties. Stage 4 from Minehead to Teignmouth will provide the first ever coast-to-coast stage of The Tour of Britain and Stage 5 stretches from Tavistock to Glastonbury.

The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides cost £40 for the Pro Ride full stage distance, or £30 for the Challenge Ride 70km distance. There is also the opportunity to join The Family Ride of up to 15km in Teignmouth, which costs £25 for a group of four or £10 per individual. Entries close on 1 September 2010 but as places are limited and expected to fill up fast, riders are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

To take part in The Prostate Cancer Charity’s Tour Rides, visit www.tourride.co.uk