This year the AJ Bell Tour of Britain will allow fans, sponsors, and riders alike to celebrate frontline workers with their Ride for Heroes initiative.
A programme of events will take place including a special ride in at each stage for Bluelight Cycling Club – a club made exclusively of Police, Fire, NHS and other frontline workers.
There is a lot to celebrate this year, with the Tour back on after last year’s postponement and a return to cycling events more generally – and the celebration of frontline workers will no doubt add a special touch.
The AJ Bell Tour of Britain runs from Sunday 5 to Sunday 12 September, starting in Penzance and heading north up the west side of the country, with two stages in Wales and the final two stages in Scotland finishing in Aberdeen.
Hugh Roberts, chief executive of AJ Bell Tour of Britain
organisers SweetSpot, said: “It’s shaping up to be an exciting Tour and Ride for Heroes is a great way to show appreciation for everything our frontline services have done. The AJ Bell Tour of Britain would not have happened without them. The fact we have Bluelight Cycling Club riding in front of the fans is the perfect way for everyone to show their appreciation. We’re really keen to raise awareness of Bluelight and the frontline charities they support.”
Each day of the race will feature a ride in the arrival town, crossing over the finish line before the race does, to then stay and watch the pros compete for victory. If you would like to join the ride and are a frontline worker, please sign up at http://www.bluelightcc.co.uk
Neil Turner, director and founder of Bluelight CC is looking forward to the week of activations: “These past two years have affected everyone in the blue light and armed service communities. Huge personal challenges have been faced, but now with many of us so pleased to see the Tour of Britain return and the launch of The Blue Light Cycling Club, we have some personal wins to celebrate and enjoy.
“The UK’s biggest and best stage race recognising this club means a lot. Their support in raising our visibility will allow us to spread the message of using the bike to help emergency workers decompress and gain access to mental health tools that provide education, guidance and real options to reduce issues they may face.”
The rides are built to raise awareness for our frontline workers and raise funds. If you aren’t a frontline worker but want to help benefit the club you can sign up for Endurance Zone Rewards during the race, who will be donating 50% of profit to the Bluelight charities for the week.
Ambassador for Bluelight and ex professional Commonwealth Games cyclist Chris Pritchard will be riding each day, and documenting it on his popular YouTube channel. You can head over and subscribe today to watch it all unfold.