This year the AJ Bell Tour of Britain will allow fans, sponsors and riders alike to celebrate frontline workers across the UK with the new-for-2021 Ride for Heroes initiative.
A programme of events will take place including a special ride at each stage for Bluelight Cycle Club – a club made exclusively of police, fire, NHS and other frontline workers.
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. Any frontline workers wishing to take part can sign up at bluelightcc.co.uk.
The rides are built to raise awareness for frontline workers and raise funds. Non-frontline workers can sign up for Endurance Zone Rewards during the race. Endurance Zone will be donating 50% of profit to the Bluelight charities for the week.
Ambassador for Bluelight and Commonwealth Games cyclist Chris Pritchard will be riding each day, and documenting on his popular YouTube channel.
Neil Turner, director and founder of Bluelight Cycle Club, said “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 Bluelight Cycle 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.”
Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain, 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 Cycle 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.”
www.bluelightcc.co.uk
www.tourofbritain.co.uk
