June 12 - Paralympic gold medallists Sarah Storey, Jody Cundy and Barney Storey today joined approximately 600 other cyclists, including Olympic gold medallists James Cracknell and Rebecca Romero, as they started their 1,000 mile, nine day journey, from John O’Groats to Land’s End on the inaugural Deloitte Ride Across Britain.



Also riding will be ParalympicsGB chairman and retired Paralympic swimmer Tim Reddish, who will be doing the journey on a tandem bike with his son Paul.

He said: "I’m really looking forward to getting on my tandem and taking part in Deloitte Ride Across Britain.

"I know it will be a fantastic event and I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with the other riders, many of whom I know are raising important funds for ParalympicsGB. I’d like to thank them for all their support and wish everyone taking part the very best of luck."

The Deloitte Ride Across Britain aims to raise £1 million ($1.4 million) over the next four years for ParalympicsGB.

Heather Hancock, the  Managing Partner Innovation and Brand at Deloitte said: "We are very proud that over 100 Deloitte partners, people and clients are taking part in this challenge from across the country - 16 different offices - and they are raising money for ParalympicsGB. 

"This challenge further extends our long-standing support for disability sport in the UK. 

"We will be fully supporting all the riders along their journey in what will be a tough challenge and celebrating their achievements at the finish line."

Cracknell, co-founder of Threshold Sports, the company behind the event said: "It is great to finally be here.

"Everyone has been training so hard for this event for months and there is definitely an excited buzz amongst the group and we are all looking forward to the week ahead.

"I am sure there will be highs and lows along the way as it will be an exhausting ride but, with so many involved in Deloitte Ride Across Britain, either as cyclists, the support group or volunteers, it will be fantastic working as a team to help each other through the challenges.

"What will keep spirits up is the wonderful scenery on the event. We have chosen the route very carefully and there are some breathtaking areas we will cycle through.

"I encourage everyone to get behind us and help us raise as much money as possible for ParalympicsGB which is a fantastic cause."


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November 2009: Storey to lead Deloitte Ride Across Britain