Action Medical Research has announced that it will be the chosen charity for the inaugural Tour of Ayrshire in 2017. The highly anticipated event, which will include Marmotte Ecosse, the first Marmotte event held outside Europe, will take place on 29-30 April.
The ride, which will take place on closed roads in and around Kilmarnock, is one of 19 global qualifying events for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships: riders who finish in the top 25% of their age groups will be invited to compete in the finals in Albi, France, during August.
“This association with the Tour of Ayrshire further highlights our passion for all things cycling,” said David Graham, Head of Fundraising at Action Medical Research.
“We’re known for our love of cycling events and the pedal power of the thousands of riders who cycle for Action every year contributes more than £1 million to our vital work, helping support some amazing medical breakthroughs that have helped save thousands of children’s lives and changed many more.
“We’re looking forward to seeing many thousands of supporters riding for a reason as they take on this mighty challenge through the beautiful rolling landscape of Ayrshire.”
The Tour of Ayrshire, organised by cycling specialists Golazo Cycling and supported by East Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire Roads Alliance, is expected to attract 6,000 cyclists of all abilities over the two-day festival which will comprise a Time Trial (20km), Team Time Trial (20km) and a Media Fondo (75km) and a Gran Fondo (113.5km).
Erwin Vervecken, Co-ordinator of the UCI Gran Fondo World Masters Series, added “This event is a welcome addition to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and I believe it is a first for Scotland with the opportunity for riders to experience a European-style mass participation event with categories for all standards of riders.
“It is a beautiful circuit and the local roads will provide a real challenge for even the best riders.”
For more than 60 years Action Medical Research has helped pioneer treatments and ways to prevent disease that have benefited millions of people in the UK and across the world. Research the charity has funded has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound in pregnancy, fight meningitis and prevent stillbirths.
Action Medical Research is currently funding research into meningitis, Down syndrome, epilepsy and premature birth, as well as some rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children.
www.tourofayrshire.com
www.action.org.uk
