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24 April 2009
GB’s top Snowsport athletes swap skis for bikes in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
The British Alpine Ski Team and coaching staff will be hoping that the snow and ice are as far away as possible as they take on a sporting challenge of a different kind on 17 May – the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia cycle challenge.
The team of 12 will be in the saddle for the UK’s largest closed cycle race over an 81 mile course through the rugged and challenging terrain of Highland Perthshire, Scotland.
Many 2010 Winter Olympic hopefuls will be taking part, including Chemmy Alcott, Finlay Mickel, Noel Baxter and Dougie Crawford. The team is returning from a successful season on skis competing all over the world. They are all determined to meet this challenge, achieve a great result and hope to raise £5000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Alain Baxter, who recently announced his retirement from international ski racing, will also take part with the team. The 35 year-old Scot, known simply as ‘The Highlander’ to legions of devoted fans, has raced with the British Alpine Ski Team since 1992. Alain was keen to take part with the team, always eager to undertake a competitive challenge, and also the chance to raise money for a great cause.
Finlay Mickel, who took part in the challenge last year, commented on this year’s challenge: “I can’t wait to race this year when I’m 100 per cent fit. Last year I was recovering from a broken ankle and raced with my air cast on which made things interesting! Everyone thought I was crazy but I got there in the end”.
“Training so far has been ok. My 96kg downhill weight isn’t the best for riding uphill but I’m looking forward to smashing past people on the downhill sections”.
“Macmillan Cancer Support is a great cause and one I’m delighted we are supporting. My Mum and Dad have both had cancer; thankfully they were both able to get through it. The more we can do to raise funds and awareness the better it is for everyone”.
Team mate Noel Baxter said: “I’m very excited to be taking part in the race this year as I had to miss out last year due to injury. The race is at a perfect time for us to kick start our summer training block. It can be quite hard to motivate yourself after a long season on the road so the race is perfect to give us that extra motivation to kick start our summer training.
“I’m really pleased we are riding for Macmillan Cancer Support, is a great charity. My family has been affected by cancer so anything we can do to help raise awareness and funds for Macmillan is great”.
Mark Simmers, CEO of SnowsportGB, the National Governing Body said: “Now the winter season is officially over, the team will continue to train on and off the slopes over the next few months. They were really keen to take part in this event, as it sets a different type of challenge for them, but also helps to raise money for a really fantastic charity that will help to support people with cancer across the UK. We are delighted that so many of our top athletes are able to come together to take part in this race and we hope that they can raise the target amount of £5000.”
Director of Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, Elspeth Atkinson, said: “We are delighted that so many from the British Alpine Ski Team are taking part in the Macmillan Cancer Support Caledonian Etape. All of the money they raise will be used to fund our vital cancer services, from specialist nurses and doctors to advice and support for people who need financial help because of their cancer.
The event starts and finishes in Pitlochry, with host of attractions for spectators as well as riders.
Jo Dytch, IMG, said: "Etape Caledonia is looking forward to the spectacle of 3500 cyclists enjoying the experience of cycling on closed roads and being able to enjoy the fantastic scenery of Highland Perthshire. It’s destined to be a breathtaking experience for both the competitors and spectators."
This year, Etape Caledonia has featured as part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming Scotland campaign with firm support from Event Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council, attracting top sponsors such as Macmillan Cancer Care, Highland Spring, Adidas, Powerbar, The Evening Standard, Cycling Plus, Women’s Fitness, Wiggle and Mavic.
To sponsor the British Alpine Ski Team go to http://www.justgiving.com/snowsportgb to pledge support and help them reach the target. The team is taking time out from their typical training schedules to take part in this challenge, as they prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver next year.
For more information on the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.
GB’s top Snowsport athletes swap skis for bikes in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
The British Alpine Ski Team and coaching staff will be hoping that the snow and ice are as far away as possible as they take on a sporting challenge of a different kind on 17 May – the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia cycle challenge.
The team of 12 will be in the saddle for the UK’s largest closed cycle race over an 81 mile course through the rugged and challenging terrain of Highland Perthshire, Scotland.
Many 2010 Winter Olympic hopefuls will be taking part, including Chemmy Alcott, Finlay Mickel, Noel Baxter and Dougie Crawford. The team is returning from a successful season on skis competing all over the world. They are all determined to meet this challenge, achieve a great result and hope to raise £5000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Alain Baxter, who recently announced his retirement from international ski racing, will also take part with the team. The 35 year-old Scot, known simply as ‘The Highlander’ to legions of devoted fans, has raced with the British Alpine Ski Team since 1992. Alain was keen to take part with the team, always eager to undertake a competitive challenge, and also the chance to raise money for a great cause.
Finlay Mickel, who took part in the challenge last year, commented on this year’s challenge: “I can’t wait to race this year when I’m 100 per cent fit. Last year I was recovering from a broken ankle and raced with my air cast on which made things interesting! Everyone thought I was crazy but I got there in the end”.
“Training so far has been ok. My 96kg downhill weight isn’t the best for riding uphill but I’m looking forward to smashing past people on the downhill sections”.
“Macmillan Cancer Support is a great cause and one I’m delighted we are supporting. My Mum and Dad have both had cancer; thankfully they were both able to get through it. The more we can do to raise funds and awareness the better it is for everyone”.
Team mate Noel Baxter said: “I’m very excited to be taking part in the race this year as I had to miss out last year due to injury. The race is at a perfect time for us to kick start our summer training block. It can be quite hard to motivate yourself after a long season on the road so the race is perfect to give us that extra motivation to kick start our summer training.
“I’m really pleased we are riding for Macmillan Cancer Support, is a great charity. My family has been affected by cancer so anything we can do to help raise awareness and funds for Macmillan is great”.
Mark Simmers, CEO of SnowsportGB, the National Governing Body said: “Now the winter season is officially over, the team will continue to train on and off the slopes over the next few months. They were really keen to take part in this event, as it sets a different type of challenge for them, but also helps to raise money for a really fantastic charity that will help to support people with cancer across the UK. We are delighted that so many of our top athletes are able to come together to take part in this race and we hope that they can raise the target amount of £5000.”
Director of Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, Elspeth Atkinson, said: “We are delighted that so many from the British Alpine Ski Team are taking part in the Macmillan Cancer Support Caledonian Etape. All of the money they raise will be used to fund our vital cancer services, from specialist nurses and doctors to advice and support for people who need financial help because of their cancer.
The event starts and finishes in Pitlochry, with host of attractions for spectators as well as riders.
Jo Dytch, IMG, said: "Etape Caledonia is looking forward to the spectacle of 3500 cyclists enjoying the experience of cycling on closed roads and being able to enjoy the fantastic scenery of Highland Perthshire. It’s destined to be a breathtaking experience for both the competitors and spectators."
This year, Etape Caledonia has featured as part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming Scotland campaign with firm support from Event Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council, attracting top sponsors such as Macmillan Cancer Care, Highland Spring, Adidas, Powerbar, The Evening Standard, Cycling Plus, Women’s Fitness, Wiggle and Mavic.
To sponsor the British Alpine Ski Team go to http://www.justgiving.com/snowsportgb to pledge support and help them reach the target. The team is taking time out from their typical training schedules to take part in this challenge, as they prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver next year.
For more information on the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk.
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