FulGaz, the indoor virtual cycling app acquired by IRONMAN in late 2021, has unveiled the Hope Cycle Tour of Australia. The 15-stage virtual event runs from August 20 through September 10.
The Hope Cycle Tour of Australia utilises the FulGaz indoor cycling app and allows riders to participate in the event from wherever they are in the world while raising funds for Lifeline Australia.
The virtual tour will have riders taking in some of the best sights in Australia, including Uluru, Tropical North Queensland, Sydney Harbour and Tasmania.
A release from IRONMAN noted that… ‘Founded in Australia, FulGaz provides an experience that aims to be the closest thing to travelling and riding in real locations around the world.’
Riders can take part in the 15-stage event either by themselves or in a team of up to four people, riding in relay to complete the challenge. Stages range from 15km to 45km in length and can be completed in any order, except for the 15th and final stage, which will be celebrated with a Sunrise Group Ride both in FulGaz and via Zoom with some special guests in attendance on Saturday, September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day.
100% of entry fees will be donated to Lifeline Australia, with the goal of raising more than AU$250,000 this year. Riders can also fundraise themselves as part of the challenge.
Registration for the Hope Cycle Tour of Australia is open until Thursday, August 18 by visiting hopecycle.fulgaz.com and entry costs AU$39, the same amount it costs Lifeline to answer a call.
“The Hope Cycle Tour will allow riders to take in some of the greatest routes in Australia without leaving their home through the FulGaz indoor cycling app, all while raising money for an incredible cause,” said Mike Clucas, Vice President of Digital Sports for The IRONMAN Group.
“We’re honoured to be partnering with Lifeline Australia again this year and are aiming to raise more than AU$250,000 to assist them with their vital work.”
Lifeline is Australia’s largest suicide prevention service, with a vision of an Australia free of suicide. The Lifeline network spans the country with 41 centres in metropolitan, rural and remote areas. There are over 10,000 volunteers and 1,000 employees working to help those in need.
Lifeline aims to deliver digital services to Australian people in crisis, wherever they might be and in the mode in which they are most comfortable accessing support. Each year, Lifeline receives almost 1 million contacts from people in crisis. Someone in Australia calls every 30 seconds.
“The Hope Cycle Tour is in its second year and gaining momentum,” said James Duffy, Lifeline Australia National Manager, Marketing and Campaigns.
“Some will ride, some will donate and others will tell their networks about the event. Every action will help ensure Lifeline’s critical crisis support and suicide prevention services are accessible to anyone who needs them, anytime, anywhere and in the way they feel most comfortable approaching us.”
Funds raised from the 2021 edition of the Hope Cycle Tour allowed Lifeline to answer 4,600 phone calls from people in need.
www.hopecycle.fulgaz.com
www.lifeline.org.au
