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Last Chance To Ride With The Pros At Marie Curie Etape Pennines

by Nick Gregory

With just one month until entries close, it’s the last chance to book a place at the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines, Sunday 6th October, the challenging cycling event which has attracted Omega Pharma - Quick-Step (OPQS) riders to take part.

Following a successful debut in 2012, the 78 mile event has this year attracted the inaugural Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Rider Club ride which offers just 150 participants the experience of riding with professional athletes.

Participants must sign up before the entry deadline of Sunday 29th September to secure a place in the popular cycling event which has been hailed by Cycling Plus magazine as “beautiful and brutal” and regarded by 2012 participants as “the best challenge” they have ever taken part in.

With over 1,500 cyclists already registered for the event it promises to offer participants a superb experience of cycling on closed roads gifting the opportunity to ride in true Tour de France style in groups and pelotons.

2012 participant Richard Peel said: “What a rush to ride with fellow cyclists across amazing landscape and work together as a group just like the pros do. It’s not something which can be done on your average Sunday ride or daily commute.”

General entries are priced at £63 per person. Cyclists who commit to raising a minimum of £250 through sponsorship for Marie Curie Cancer Care can obtain a free fundraising place for this event. For more details please visit www.etapepennines.co.uk

Matthew Philpott, 2012 participant, said: “The Etape Pennines isn’t your standard sportive – it’s something pretty special to participate in. People sign up for so many different reasons, to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, to beat a previous time and just to be able to say they ‘did it’. Ultimately, whatever the reason for entering, the sense of achievement is huge. The atmosphere on the day is fantastic and the camaraderie, second to none. If you love cycling then you’re missing out by not signing up!”

Marie Curie Cancer Care is the official charity partner of the Etape Series. The money raised by participants will enable the charity to provide more free, hands-on nursing care to people with terminal illness either at home, or in one of the charity’s nine hospices, while giving their families emotional and practical support.

For more details please visit www.etapepennines.co.uk/ride-with-OPQS-Pro-Team.html.