Cyclists 'gear up' for 560km cycle in aid of cancer charity

Tuesday 26 September 2023

A team of cyclists have set off on a 560km bike ride which will see them ride across Italy to raise funds and awareness for Macmillan Jersey as part of the cancer support charity's bi-annual 'Cycle Challenge'.

The 44 cyclists will cover over 560km from the northern city of Bologna to Italy's capital, Rome, and climb more than 7,000 meters across five days.

Setting off on yesterday, the team were planning on cycling the 120km to Florence and ascending more than 2,350 meters – all within the first day of the challenge!

And they're off!

This year's cycle challenge participants will today begin their 5-day journey from Bologna to Rome. Today they'll cycle 120km to Florence, ascending more than 2,350 meters!#macmillanjersey #cyclechallenge #blognatorome #fundraising #charity #cancer #jerseyci pic.twitter.com/ysNe3bSW2w

— Macmillan Jersey (@Macmillanjersey) September 25, 2023

Steph Gibaut - Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Jersey, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have 44 cyclists taking on an incredible challenge to raise funds for our local charity.

"Their commitment and determination not only demonstrates their physical strength, but also their unwavering support for our mission to support local people affected by cancer. A heartfelt thank you from all of us at Macmillan Jersey."

Andy Smith, Jersey Branch Manager for the event's mains sponsor Investec Bank, added: "It is an amazing achievement for all those taking part in this challenging event. Investec is delighted to support the team both with sponsorship and staff participation.

"Macmillan Jersey’s work is a vital service to our community and Investec are pleased to play a part in this incredible fundraising effort to support that work”.

Pictured: Adam Dawson, CEO of Reto Finance, is one of the cyclists taking part.

You can keep up with the cyclists' journey by following the Cycle Challenge 2023 Facebook page HERE.