Former England captain Andrew Strauss is joining his predecessor Michael Vaughan on the PruProtect Chance to Ride charity bike ride which takes place later this year.
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 Foundationand the Cricket Foundation’s Chance to Shine initiative.
Strauss, who retired from first class cricket last summer, is the second most successful captain of the English modern era in terms of wins, second only to his former opening partner Vaughan.
Former Middlesex opener Strauss, who will join riders on the third stage between Birmingham and Brecon Beacons, said: “If you had asked me a few years ago if I would ever be riding a peloton with Michael Vaughan I would have laughed at you. We’ve been great mates for many years, though, and I’m delighted to get the chance to fundraise with him for Laureus and Chance to Shine.”
Vaughan, who will be joined by other stars including former England Test bowler Phil Tufnell, has undertaken two bike rides for Laureus in the past as well as completing one leg of the International Triathlon Union World Championship Series in Hyde Park last year.
Vaughan commented: “There’s nothing like a bit of healthy competition between old team-mates and I’ll be making sure Andrew has sight of my rear wheel for t he duration of his ride! It’s great to have him along and hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate another Ashes win during the journey.”
Vaughan is looking for 50 fundraisers per stage to join him and his band of cricketers, commentators, sports stars and other celebrities, like Jimmy John Shark, on this unique challenge.
The Chance to Ride peloton will follow the England v Australia – NatWest One Day International series, starting at Headingley, Leeds, on September 6 and travelling 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
Michael Vaughan’s charity bike ride to improve children’s lives through the power of sport. Funds raised will support Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Chance to Shine campaign.
The itinerary for the ride is:
Stage 1
Friday, 6 Sept: First One Day International, Headingley, Leeds
Saturday, 7 Sept: Leeds to Manchester (80 miles)
Sunday, 8 Sept: Second One Day International, Old Trafford, Manchester
Stage 2
Monday, 9 Sept: Cycle Challenge at the Manchester Velodrome
Tuesday, 10 Sept: Manchester to Birmingham (91 miles)
Wednesday, 11 Sept: Third One Day International, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Stage 3
Thursday, 12 Sept: Birmingham to Brecon Beacons (86 miles)
Friday, 13 Sept: Brecon Beacons to Cardiff (55 miles)
Saturday, 14 Sept: Fourth One Day International, Swalec Stadium, Cardiff
Stage 4
Sunday, 15 Sept: Cardiff to Southampton (80 miles)
Mon day, 16 Sept: Fifth One Day International, Aegeas Bowl, Southampton
Tuesday, 17 Sept: Southampton to London (70 miles)
For more information please contact:
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
Gerald Meier,
Head of Global Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7514 2749
E mail: publicrelations@laureus.com
Photo Archive: www.laureusarchive.com
Video Archive: www.laureusdigital.com
Websites: www.laureus.com
Follow us on Twitter @LaureusSport
Chance to Shine
Fabian Devlin
Head of Communications,
Cricket Foundation
Tel. 07920 502 152