Boardroom bikers bring technology to the Tour of Britain

Outsourcery, the UK's leading Cloud Service Provider, is proud to announce for the second year running it is The Official Partner and The Official Technology Partner for the Tour of Britain and The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides.

Outsourcery is providing pivotal technology to the Tour of Britain team which will enable them to collaborate and share information collected throughout each stage of the race.

The Tour of Britain is the UK's biggest professional bicycle race and a centrepiece of the British sporting calendar, attracting over a million spectators to the roadside and hundreds of thousands more on television and via the Internet.

The Tour has quickly established itself as the main event in the British cycling calendar. Ranked at the 2.1 category by the UCI (International Cycling Union), the Tour of Britain takes place over eight days and nine stages, with the inclusion of an individual time trial in central London on the final day of the race.

Every year some of the world's top cyclists compete on British roads for the right to wear the yellow jersey. Over the past five years, Olympic, World and Commonwealth Champions have ridden The Tour of Britain, alongside stage and jersey winners from all three Grand Tours.

Britain's biggest professional cycle race, and the UK's largest free-to-spectate live sporting event, begins in Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Sunday 11^th September and ends in London on Sunday 18^th September with an iconic finish at Whitehall.

In addition to being an official partner of the Tour Rides, Outsourcery will be taking part in the charity rides. 'Team Outsourcery' will see around 40 staff, customers and partners, of mixed cycling abilities, join forces in a bid to raise money for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Outsourcery will be joining hundreds of other teams cycling the closed streets of London on Sunday 18^th September 2011 in the Whitehall, London Tour Ride, and some of the team members will be riding on 'Boris bikes', in support of the London Cycle Hire scheme.

Commenting on the support of Outsourcery, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive at The Prostate Cancer Charity, explains: "We are extremely grateful to Outsourcery for their continued support of The Prostate Cancer Charity and our Tour Rides, and its fantastic to see so many saddling up to take on the London Tour Ride. With the support of organisations like Outsourcery, we can continue to support the 37,000 men and their families who are diagnosed with prostate cancer ever year."

Please support the team and a very worthy cause by donating to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/outsourcery

Read more

Cyclists come out in force to support The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride

 

Hundreds of cyclists got on their bikes in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway yesterday (Sunday 4 September) for The Prostate Cancer Charity's Tour Ride, raising thousands of pounds for the most common cancer in men in the process. 

More than 350 riders signed up for Scotland's inaugural Tour Ride, experiencing part of the official Tour of Britain route ahead of the professionals on 11 September.
  
Riders were bathed in sunshine as they gathered from around the country to take part in the event. Participants who took on the 70km Challenge Ride's circular route were joined at the finish line in Dumfries by fellow participants who took on the 170km Pro Ride route, which began in Peebles.

Among those completing the event were the Dumfries trio Euan Grierson, Alan Hope and Scott Graham, and “The Kelso Wheelers”: Mike Burgher, Donald Richardson, David Burgher, Simon Gaunt, Kenny Wilson & Rob Ure (photos attached).

Yesterday's ride was the third of this summer's Tour Rides after successful events were staged in East Anglia and Wales. 

Speaking from the finish line in Dumfries, Katie Robbins, Tour of Britain Project Manager at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people taking to their bikes to raise funds for such an important cause. It's been exciting to bring a Tour Ride to Scotland for the first time and the local people have really embraced the event with enthusiasm. 

“A huge thank you to all the riders who took part today, and family and friends that came along to cheer them on. Please keep your sponsorship money coming in – it's not too late to show the Charity your support and there are great incentives available!”

Following today's event, there are further Tour Rides taking place in London and Stoke-on-Trent to raise funds to help The Prostate Cancer Charity fight the most common cancer in men in the UK.  

For further information, please visit www.tourride.co.uk

Read more

Glasgow Warriors, Scotland and British & Irish Lions star Chris Cusiter - who lost his father Stan to prostate cancer last year - is urging Scots to sign up for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride on 4 September.

Cusiter made his call as he took to two wheels at the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow today (Friday 12 August).

The Scottish leg of the professional Tour of Britain cycling event takes place on 11 September, and The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride gives people of all cycling abilities the unique opportunity to experience the route one week before the professionals whilst raising funds to fight the most common cancer in men in Scotland.

Participants can take on the full 170km Pro Ride route from Peebles to Dumfries, or the shorter but none-the-less rewarding Challenge Ride which takes place over the final 70 kilometres of the Pro Ride.

Chris Cusiter said: "I think it's fantastic that the first leg of The Tour of Britain is taking place in Scotland. Thanks to The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride people of all cycling abilities have the unique opportunity to experience the route a week before the professionals.

"I would strongly encourage people all across the country to get right behind this excellent event. It will be a great day out in its own right, but those taking part will also know they are doing their bit to raise funds for the fight against prostate cancer - the most common cancer in men in Scotland.

"2,700 Scots are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and 2 die of the disease every day. By participating in The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride on 4 September people can play their part in changing these statistics, and Scotland, for the better. I hope many, many Scots rise to the challenge - and do just that."

Ann Ferguson, Head of Operations at The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland, said: "The Tour Ride on 4 September is a great event, and we are delighted that Chris Cusiter has offered his backing to it. Not only is Chris a fantastic ambassador for rugby and for Scotland, he is a fantastic ambassador for The Prostate Cancer Charity as it strives for a world where lives are no longer limited by the disease.

"I hope people heed his call and get behind The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride on 4 September in ever increasing numbers."

For further information, please visit http://www.tourride.co.uk/scotland.asp

 

Read more

One of Britain's best loved singers, Dame Shirley Bassey, has thrown her support behind The Prostate Cancer Charity's Tour Ride in Wales, which takes place on Sunday 21 August. The exciting and challenging cycling event offers people the chance to ride an official stage of the Tour of Britain whilst raising funds to fight the most common cancer in men in the UK.

Dame Shirley was born in Tiger Bay, Cardiff and grew up nearby in Splott. The 'Diamonds are Forever' singer worked in a local factory and restaurant, spending her evenings singing in the area's clubs and bars before she was discovered.

Multi-award winning singer Bassey said: "I think it's a wonderful idea that my beloved South Wales valleys should be the backdrop for this amazing Tour Ride and would urge all fit cyclists to sign up, although I don't envy you on the challenging hill climbs! The Prostate Cancer Charity is a great cause; I'm delighted to be supporting it."

In a brand new event for 2011, cyclists will be able to tackle the Welsh stage of the Tour of Britain ahead of the professionals in September. Whether riders take on the tough 180km 'castle to castle' Pro Ride from Welshpool to Caerphily Castle, or the shorter but none-the-less rewarding 100km Challenge Ride through the Brecon Beacons, the Wales Tour Ride is no ordinary challenge, for no ordinary cause.

The Charity launched the events three years ago, and they have gone from strength to strength. More than 4,500 people took to two wheels last year, raising over £500,000 in doing so.

Speaking about the upcoming Wales Tour Ride, Katie Robbins, Tour of Britain Project Manager at The Prostate Cancer Charity, says: "We're really excited to have the support of such a superstar like Dame Shirley! We are looking forward to bringing the Tour Ride to Wales for the first time and I hope that people with an interest in cycling will get on their bikes to raise awareness of prostate cancer and funds for the Charity.

"Over the past three years, The Prostate Cancer Charity has developed strong links with professional and amateur cyclists through our partnership with The Tour of Britain which have been invaluable in helping us to get many more people thinking about the disease."

For further information, please visit www.tourride.co.uk

Read more

Hundreds of people from across Suffolk and Norfolk got in the saddle yesterday for the cycling challenge of a lifetime by completing the East Anglia Tour Ride, raising thousands of pounds for The Prostate Cancer Charity. 

More than 600 riders took part in the region's inaugural Tour Ride, experiencing part of the official Tour of Britain route for the first time, ahead of the professionals in September.
  
Riders were bathed in sunshine as they gathered from around the region to take part in the ride. With Bury St Edmunds the start point for the tough 200km Pro Ride and the 100km Challenge route beginning in Diss, the cyclists crossed the finish line in the grounds of Sandringham Estate.

Nigel Stark from Ipswich, who took part in the 100km Challenge ride with two friends, said: “I really enjoyed the ride but it was definitely harder than I thought it would be! I have been fundraising with friends and family to raise money for the Charity. The most enjoyable part was finishing, but I would definitely do it again!” 

Local company Adnams, who are keen backers of The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides, entered a team off 11 employees into the East Anglia event. Director Steve Sharp said: “We employ a lot of men at our brewery and we're conscious of the need to help raise awareness of this type of cancer. We've been doing a lot of fundraising in advance of the ride and as a company we enjoy supporting such a good cause.” 

Speaking from the finish line in Sandringham, Katie Robbins, Tour of Britain Project Manager at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “It's fantastic to see so many people taking to their bikes to raise funds for such an important cause. It's been exciting to bring a Tour Ride to East Anglia for the first time and the local people have really embraced the event with enthusiasm. 

“A huge thank you to all the riders that took part today and their friends and family that came down to cheer them on. Please keep your sponsorship money coming in – it's not too late to show the charity your support and there are great incentives available!”

James Carswell, Cabinet member for Cultural Services at Norfolk County Council, said:"After the riders had crossed the finish line in last year's Tour of Britain stage through Norfolk, the national organiser declared that the crowds lining our roads were larger than they had ever experienced. 

"Over 130,000 people came out to watch the race – indicating the level of interest that there is in cycling in the county. 

"The Tour Ride has provided further indication of that interest and presented so many riders with the opportunity to experience the kind of route that the professional cyclists will be taking when the Tour of Britain returns to Norfolk in September, whilst raising money for a good cause."
 
Councillor Kathy Gosling, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing said: “The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride was an absolute success. It was fantastic to see such a great turn out from the people of Suffolk.

It just goes to show how the popularity of cycling is gathering speed in Suffolk. I look forward to seeing even more people lining the streets to support the Tour of Britain when it comes through Suffolk in September.”

Following day's event, there are four further Tour Rides across the country this year, taking place in Wales, Scotland, London and Stoke-on-Trent, all designed the raise funds to help the Charity fight the most common cancer in men in the UK.   

For further information, please visit www.tourride.co.uk

 

Read more

People of Britain encouraged to get on their bikes as new research reveals that a quarter of bike owners cycle only a handful of times a year

 The Prostate Cancer Charity is urging people across the UK to get on their bikes and take on one of its 'Tour Rides'. The Charity launched the events, which offer the opportunity to ride in 'the tracks of the pros' on an official stage of The Tour of Britain, three years ago, and they have gone from strength to strength.

More than 4,500 people took to two wheels last year and the Charity has extended the number of events it will stage this year from three to five, offering brand new events in Wales, Scotland and East Anglia. The rides will also return to Stoke-on-Trent and London.

The rides – which last year raised over £500,000 – are designed to offer cyclists both a credible and challenging route, as well as to bring people together to raise funds to fight the most common cancer in men in the UK.

A new survey for the Charity, carried out by ICM Research, has revealed that despite an overwhelming 82 per cent of bike owners in Britain choosing to take to the saddle as a form of exercise, a quarter of these would-be-cyclists will do so only a handful of times a year.

Katie Robbins, Project Manager of The Tour Rides, said: “The research shows there are thousands of gleaming bikes laying lonely and unused across the UK. We are urging people to quite literally 'get on their bikes' and join thousands of people across the UK in making a statement in the fight against this disease, which kills one man every hour.

“The Tour Rides offer an unparalleled challenge to keen cyclists. The routes offer the same experience as the pro riders in The Tour of Britain. They also make a fantastic challenge for people who had good intentions when they bought their bike. All of the money raised will go towards research, campaigning or support and information for the 37,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.”

The rides have been well-supported by both luminaries in the sport and celebrity ambassadors.

Professional cyclist, Ed Clancy MBE, said: “I did the Stoke-on-Trent ride last year. I enjoyed it. The Tour Rides are a great opportunity for people to be able to actually ride the same route themselves and challenge themselves against the pros. It was really well organised with food stops along the way, race cars and good signage. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men in the UK, so it was also good to do this for a good cause and get the message out there.”

Hugh Roberts Chief Executive of The Tour of Britain, added: “The Tour Rides offer a fantastic opportunity for riders to take on the challenge of a Tour of Britain stage and compare themselves to the professional cyclists from The Tour.  That they can do so whilst raising funds and awareness to combat prostate cancer makes it an even more worthwhile cause, and reason to get on your bike."

For further information, please visit www.tourride.co.uk

Read more

People across Suffolk and Norfolk are being urged to take on the challenge of their lives and sign up for the East Anglia Tour Ride to raise funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

For the first time, cyclists in the region will have the opportunity to experience part of the official Tour of Britain route on Sunday 24 July 2011 ahead of the professionals in September.

Whether riders take on the tough 200km Pro Ride from Bury St Edmunds to Sandringham or shorter but none-the-less rewarding 100km Challenge route - starting in Diss and finishing in Sandringham - the East Anglia Tour Ride promises to offer participants a one-off cycling experience, while raising awareness of prostate cancer and money for the Charity.

Now in their third year, The Prostate Cancer Charity's Tour Rides are an established part of the sportive calendar for amateur cyclists with over 4,500 amateur riders taking part in three events last year.

Following on from this success, which saw riders raise over £520,000, The Prostate Cancer Charity has extended its offering to five events this year, giving people the opportunity to take on Tour Rides in East Anglia, Wales and Scotland alongside existing rides in London and Stoke-on-Trent.

The Charity's unique partnership with The Tour of Britain, aims to bring people together through cycling to help raise awareness of prostate cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in men in the UK.

Speaking about the upcoming East Anglia Tour Ride, Katie Robbins, Tour of Britain Project Manager at The Prostate Cancer Charity, says: “Over the past three years, The Prostate Cancer Charity has developed strong links with professional and amateur cyclists through our partnership with The Tour of Britain which have been invaluable in helping us to get many more people thinking about the disease.

“We are delighted to be able to include East Anglia in the offering this year and hope that people living in Norfolk and Suffolk with an interest in cycling will get on their bikes to raise awareness of  prostate cancer and funds for the Charity.”

Councillor Kathy Gosling, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing said: “The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride is a fantastic opportunity for people to get a piece of the Tour of Britain action for themselves.

“Cycling is certainly taking off in Suffolk and following on from last year's success I am confident that this year's Tour of Britain will inspire an even greater interest in the fantastic range of cycle routes in Suffolk.

 “I would urge any keen cyclists to sign up to take part in the Tour Ride. It's for a great cause and it gives people the chance to follow the Tour of Britain route through Suffolk's beautiful countryside.”

James Carswell, Cabinet member for Cultural Services at Norfolk County Council, said:

"After the riders had crossed the finish line in last year's Tour of Britain stage through Norfolk, the national organiser declared that the crowds lining our roads were larger than they had ever experienced. Over 130,000 people came out to watch the race – indicating the level of interest that there is in cycling in the county.

“The Tour Ride in July presents a wonderful opportunity for those with an interest in cycling to experience the kind of route that the professional cyclists will be taking when the Tour of Britain returns to Norfolk in September, whilst also raising money for a good cause."

Graham Jones, Route Director at The Tour of Britain, said:"The East Anglian stage of The Tour of Britain is the longest of the race this year, and one of the longest we've ever run.  Participants in the East Anglian Tour Ride will have the chance to say they've ridden the route of a long and testing stage of this year's Tour all in aid of a very good cause, and of course gain a preview of what the professionals will face this September."

For further information, please visit www.tourride.co.uk

Read more