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Olympic cycling medallist Axel Merckx to lead, Premier Campbell to chair, BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic presented by the Airey Group
BC Cancer survivor Andrew Gregory plans to be first to register and train to regain his health
March 5, 2008, Vancouver - On Sunday June 1st, recreational cyclists across B.C. can ride with one of the world’s top cyclists and possibly win a deluxe trip to the 2008 Tour de France, while raising funds for cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency.
The day will begin with the B.C. Provincial Road Race Cycling Championships, for competitive riders. Then Belgium national cycling champion and Olympic bronze medallist Axel Merckx will lead the new BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic Community Ride.
“I am delighted to be returning to Vancouver to help raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation,” said Merckx, who now lives in Kelowna B.C. with his family and operates Axel Merckx Cycling Tours (www.axelmerckx.com). “It was such a great experience to ride with so many champions of the cause last fall in the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage, I just had to return to keep the momentum going and I encourage everyone to sign up at www.cycleforcancer.com and participate.”
Premier Gordon Campbell, who was honorary chair and also rode in last year’s cycling fundraiser, will chair the BC Cancer Foundation’s new initiative.
“Cancer will touch almost everyone at some point in their lives,” said Premier Campbell. “Support for the BC Cancer Agency translates into new research, new treatments, and new supports for patients and families.”
The 40-km community ride is open to all recreational cyclists aged four and up and will follow a scenic course through Vancouver’s UBC endowment lands. All proceeds will go to the BC Cancer Foundation to support research at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout the province. The top fundraiser in the community ride will win a deluxe trip for two to the 2008 Tour de France.
39-year-old testicular cancer survivor Andrew Gregory plans to be the first to register in the BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic presented by the Airey Group. He marked a major personal milestone last year when he raised $8,000 and cycled 90 km in the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage, just six months after nine weeks of intensive, energy-draining chemotherapy.
Gregory had run a marathon and completed a triathlon, but had never cycled 90 km. Not only did he complete the distance, he also managed to keep up to Merckx in the lead group. “It was just an incredible experience, a major achievement after my cancer,” said Gregory. “It was a total thrill to ride alongside Axel Merckx.” Gregory wanted to give back to his caregivers at the BC Cancer Agency. “They were just amazing, I owe so much to all the doctors, nurses and technicians,” he said.
The cancer survivor can hardly wait to get back on his bike again. This year, he plans to raise $10,000. He said he found the fundraising easier than he expected. “It turned out to be a life-changing experience,” he recalls. “The ride this year will be 40 km and, as a casual rider, I can say that anybody can do it. Get out on your bike when the sun is shining and you will be in great shape to complete the ride,” he said. “I urge people to register at www.cycleforcancer.com and start fundraising now. You will be surprised what you can achieve.”
For information or to register, go to www.cycleforcancer.com or call (604) 675-8243.
Established in 1935, the BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout B.C.
For the second consecutive year, the presenting sponsor of the BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic is the Airey Group, formerly Formwerks Development Corp., a leading Vancouver-based property design and development team with deep ties to Vancouver’s Westside community.
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For information:
Judy Hamill, Communications Officer,
BC Cancer Foundation: 604 707 5934, cell 604 802 6984
jhamill@bccancer.bc.ca
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