World elite cyclist supports county charity ride
One of the world’s top cyclists is urging businesses from across the county to leap into their saddles in support of Northamptonshire’s favourite annual bike ride! Hannah Barnes, who lives in Towcester, was back in her home county earlier this month competing against elite riders from around the globe in the inaugural Women’s Tour to be held in the UK, but still took time out to lend her support to Cycle 4 Cynthia, which this year will benefit Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Northampton children’s charity, Kidsaid.
Sadly, Hannah is unable to take part herself at the event being held at Lamport Hall in the autumn as she’ll be competing in Europe but hopes that her success and the recent local interest in the tour will inspire the county’s cyclists to sign up.
"It's a real shame that my own time trial in Spain means I can't take part in this year's Cycle 4 Cynthia as it sounds like a really fantastic day and of course it's supporting two great local charities" explained Hannah.
"But I'd really encourage everyone to get involved though as cycling is such a sociable sport and I've met so many great people and lifelong friends whilst taking part in events or just enjoying a weekend ride around the park or to a pub and back! So get in those saddles and get pedalling and I wish everyone a really wonderful day come September!' she added.
Those are sentiments echoed by Sue Bownass from the hospice who is anticipating that last year’s record-breaking number of riders can be beaten come 21st September; “Last year a large number of companies joined us, meaning we had an impressive total of almost 1100 riders, but I’m confident that, with the support of more firms and their staff, we can be even bigger and raise even more money this year!
“The coverage from the Women’s Tour has shown that the sport is massive in the county at the moment, so we really hope that those who came out to wave on Hannah and her fellow riders will now be spurred into getting on their own two wheels to support these two vital local charities and take part in this really wonderful day!” she enthused.
Cycle 4 Cynthia, which is now in its eleventh year, is on Sunday 21st September and will start and finish at Lamport Hall. It will again offer riders 5, 25 or 50 mile routes around the delightful villages of north and west Northamptonshire.
For more information, including details of the new routes, entry and sponsorship forms, online, registry or to enter a corporate team, please visit www.cycle4cynthia.com or call Sue Bownass at the hospice on 01604 678088.