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News: Cyclothon UK continues the road cycling legacy at Brands Hatch

On September 13th, over 300 riders turned up at Brands Hatch to compete in the 2nd annual Cyclothon UK – the 12hr and 8hr endurance road cycle race

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Brands Hatch, Kent – On September 13th, over 300 riders turned up at Brands Hatch to compete in the 2nd annual Cyclothon UK – the 12hr and 8hr endurance road cycle race organised by VU Ltd. On a glorious autumn day blessed with constant blue skies and sunshine, cyclists battled around the 2.5 mile Grand Prix circuit, cheered on by their support crews and team members from the pit garages.

With inspirational thoughts of the London 2012 Paralympics fresh in their minds, male and female cyclists of all ages and all abilities powered around the undulating track, sometimes torn between charging on for the win or taking a break to enjoy the continuous food and refreshments supplied by the organisers.

The atmosphere in the garages was alive with excitement as team riders switched over in the pit lane or solo riders swept past for yet another lap. Adding to the enjoyment was a chance to ride alongside several of the sporting celebrities who competed on the day, this being a whole squad of international rugby legends including England’s Rory Underwood, Phil de Glanville and Mark Regan, Scotland’s Scott Hastings, Doddie Weir and Craig Chalmers, Welsh Rugby’s Alix Popham, and England footballer, John Salako.

Salako, a keen cyclists and first time competitor at Cyclothon said: “For some reason I thought Brands Hatch was going to be flatter than it is! Cycling’s really addictive – I love it; it’s challenging and great exercise. Doing things like this you can put yourself up against some of the other riders and compete, which is always nice to do, and provides much-needed money for charities.”

Over £65,000 was raised on the day for a wide range of charities, many of whom had teams entered in the race. The RFU’s Injured Players Foundation who support catastrophically injured players and their families had entered three teams, which included tetraplegic athlete John Burgess, who clocked up over 16 gruelling miles on a hand cycle.

The cycling industry was well represented with teams from Schwalbe, Rose Bikes, Torq Fitness, Wiggle, PMR@cing, and competition winners from online cycling publication Bike Radar. Commentary for the entire day was expertly led by event professional Anthony McCrossan.

Organiser and former England Rugby prop forward Victor Ubogu commented: “We’re so proud to not only have offered everyone a fantastic day out, but helped with individual fundraising targets and reaching personal goals. Whether you were here to increase your fitness, improve your cycling technique, raise money, race against rugby boys or create a team-bonding exercise, we made sure we provided a safe and fun arena to do it in style!”

Delivering a unique “luxury event” experience at Brands Hatch, Cyclothon UK is set to become one of the premier pro/amateur events on the Road Race calendar. Pit garages, hot showers, changing rooms, breakfast, lunch and dinner, free massage, mechanical support, loaded goody bags and the chance for all riders to mix with sporting stars separates Cyclothon from the average sportif – for the cyclist looking to get that little bit more out of an enduring day in the saddle.

Winners were also delighted with the prizes at the event which included custom built road bikes from Rose, Nintendo Wii Fit consoles, cycling holidays from Love Velo, and products from Elemis, Schwalbe, Torq and Scimitar.

Competitors are already signing up to register for Cyclothon UK 2013 and a date has been set at Brands Hatch for Thursday 5th September, 2013. Those wishing to enter a team or solo ride can book by calling VU Ltd on 0871 871 5300. An early bird discount of 20% off the regular registration price for team entry is available until October 31st, 2012. For more details visit www.cyclothonuk.com

 

 

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