Michael Vaughan Gears up for Laureus charity bike ride with Velodrome run-through. The Ashes winning captain, who is cycling in support of Laureus and Chance to Shine charity sports projects, admitted that his training session under the guidance of Bob Barber, the Velodrome’s cycling manager, had been a shock to the system. Vaughan said: “It was a real honour to cycle around the same track where some of Britain’s greatest cyclists have trained and competed. There is a real aura about the National Cycling Centre and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to train there.
“I’ve spoken to Victoria Pendleton about her cycling in the past and the training always sounded tough. But doing even just an hour myself reminded me what a big challenge this will be – although it’s also going to be a lot of fun and raise money for great causes. I’ve done a lot of cycling since retiring from cricket but this has been a real wake up call. It was fascinating to learn what I could improve upon and what can help me to get through the bike ride in one piece!”
Former England captain Vaughan will lead a host of stars and fundraisers on the event, which will raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Cricket Foundation’s Chance to Shine initiative. Already confirmed to be taking part are Olympic gymnastics silver medallist Louis Smith and former England Test bowler Phil Tufnell.
Vaughan has undertaken two bike rides for Laureus in the past as well as completing one leg of International Triathlon Union World Championship Series in Hyde Park last year and his training at the Velodrome saw him following the likes of Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins and of course, his former Strictly Come Dancing colleague, Victoria Pendleton who all competed there.
Vaughan is looking for 50 fundraisers per stage to join him and his band of cricketers, commentators, sports stars and other celebrities on this unique challenge. Award-winning life and protection insurer, PruProtect, is the title sponsor for the ride and Yorkshire Tea is the official brew, providing the riders with refreshments throughout their journey.
The PruProtect Chance to Ride peloton will follow the England v Australia – NatWest One Day International series, starting at Headingley, Leeds, on September 6 and traveling to each of the venues before ending in London on September 17. Each of the four stages will include a healthy mix of cycling and a day (or days) at the cricket.
The bike ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and the organisers will provide training and fundraising advice to participants.
If you are interested in registering for any of the individual stages or taking part in the whole 12 day challenge and raising funds for Laureus and Chance to Shine, do not delay, please visit www.chancetoride.co.uk
