Prostate Cancer Charity Rides Announced

Pedal power to the people is on its way to Great Britain - as citizens are urged to 'Unite ByCycling' this summer and take part in two unique events.

For the first time, cyclists keen to 'leap over the barriers' and try out the Tour of Britain route for themselves, will be able to follow in the tracks of the professionals, as part of a brand new joint initiative with The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Featuring a range of cycling events, Unite ByCycling is focussed around the UK's premier professional cycling race, The Tour of Britain, and will provide opportunities for amateurs and cyclists of all abilities to enter, all with one goal in mind: to unite people through cycling and raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Cyclists, from the hardcore road cyclists to the family on a tandem, will be able to get in the saddle and take on two of the stages of the Tour of Britain at Stoke-on-Trent and London, on Sunday 6 September and Saturday 19 September respectively.

The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride

Entry has now opened for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride; the first event of its kind to be organised in the UK, offering members of the public the chance to get on their bikes and ride the official Stoke-on-Trent stage of the Tour of Britain race. The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride in Stoke-on-Trent is a unique opportunity for amateur riders to challenge themselves and their friends and families, testing themselves against top professional cycling standards.

There are three different rides, offering something for everyone, regardless of their cycling ability or fitness. Riders in the Pro Tour Ride, Challenge Tour Ride and the Family Ride will all begin their rides from under The Tour of Britain gantry at the Britannia Stadium, the iconic home of Stoke City FC, just like the professionals will during stage 5 of the prestigious Tour of Britain race.

The Pro Tour Ride takes in all 145km of the Stoke-on-Trent stage of this year's Tour of Britain, providing an exclusive opportunity for amateur riders to test themselves along the course where the world's top professionals will do battle, during The Tour of Britain stage, the following week.

At 70km, the Challenge Tour Ride will be a great way to take on friends and family over a route that still encompasses much of The Tour of Britain stage. The ride follows exactly the same route as the Pro Tour Ride until approximately the 45km mark, just after Millwich.

The Family Ride is a fun 20km ride for all the family, allowing groups of all abilities to enjoy the scenic Staffordshire countryside together, whilst helping to fight prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Charity London Ride

Also announced today is The Prostate Cancer Charity London Ride, which takes place on the morning of the final stage of The Tour of Britain 2009, on Saturday 19 September. There are limited places available for cyclists of all abilities to ride two laps of the iconic Tour of Britain London circuit (which will be closed to all traffic) as the atmosphere builds, just before the professionals race to decide the overall winner of the 2009 Tour of Britain.

There will be a carnival spirit involving celebrities, politicians and weird and wonderful bikes. All participants are encouraged to dress up in fancy dress, customise their bikes and have fun while raising money and awareness for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

With many other exciting plans for the day, The Prostate Cancer Charity London Ride will be an amazing spectacle, and a fitting way to welcome the final stage of The Tour of Britain into London. For your chance to be one of the lucky applicants, visit www.unitebycycling.org.uk for more details.

John Neate, Chief Executive, of The Prostate Cancer Charity, which is the official charity partner of the Tour of Britain, said: "The essence of Unite ByCycling is to involve and inspire as many people as possible, from all ages and all parts of Great Britain in our battle against prostate cancer. The events will offer fun and unique experiences and I'd like to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and make these events a huge success. We are saying to people don't just watch it, ride it instead."

Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of The Tour of Britain, said: "We are pleased to announce The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride in Stoke-on-Trent and The Prostate Cancer Charity London Ride as the first of several fundraising events under The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride umbrella. These events, involving both professionals and the general public, will give people the opportunity to take part in events to show support and raise funds for those men and families affected by prostate cancer."

Councillor Debra Gratton, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "For this city to be working in association with all our partners to bring the first ever Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride to Stoke-on-Trent is a source of great pride.

"As a city we are very committed to cycling and to be the first in the country to have a ride like this, replicating the professional one we will have in our region later on in September, is great news. It is very exciting and challenging and links in with our own philosophy that sport is for all.

"The ride will raise the profile of the city once more and we look forward to welcoming so many new visitors to this great city."

To register and get involved visit www.unitebycycling.org.uk