News: Who is your ultimate cycling companion?

To celebrate the success of British cyclists during the Tour de France, the team behind the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines, an IMG Challenger World event, have launched a competition to find out who your ultimate cycling companions would be.

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In a fun twist from the classic fantasy dinner party question, the poll will determine the nation’s most popular cycle partner whilst giving one lucky winner the opportunity to start the Marie Curie Cancer Etape Pennines at the front of the pack with former World Champion and three-time Olympic medallist Rob Hayles and a friend of their choice, completely free of charge. In addition, they will get their hands on some great merchandise. Rob himself will be picking his favourite answer on Thursday 2nd August.

To be in with a chance of winning this competition, entrants need to visit the Etape Series UK Facebook competition page – before next Thursday (2nd) and share who their ultimate cycling companions would be on this stunning 78 mile closed road sportive. Three names are required to enter – reasons why they have been chosen are optional. Entrants can also use the #mythreeriders hashtag to discuss their choices on twitter.

Event Ambassador Rob Hayles has already made his selection, stating: ”My first choice would be Billy Connolly. He would make me laugh all the way round, plus can you imagine the pre-ride pasta party?! Second would have to be Rihanna. Doesn’t matter how slow she goes, I would stay with her all the way round. Lastly it would have to be any high-profile footballer… just to let them see how hard it could be to earn a fraction of their salary”.

Former Tour de France stage winner, Magnus Backstedt also gave us his choices, ”The comedian, Micky Flanagan, will be sure to keep everyone entertained. Miguel Indurain, he was a hero of mine whilst I was racing having won the Tour de France five times but I never really got to speak to him. Finally, the actress Kiera Knightley, obvious reasons!”.

Taking place on Sunday 7th October in County Durham, the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines is set to be one of the toughest sportive challenges in the UK. The 78 mile, closed-road event will take cyclists through some of the most scenic countryside the UK has to offer including the highest paved road in the UK.

Now at over 2000 riders, only limited places remain. All cyclists are asked to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care which will enable Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care and support to terminally ill people and their families in communities across the UK.

To secure a place or to find out more about the event visit the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennies website at www.etapepennines.co.uk

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