Wharf cyclists wanted for Real Man Challenge

By Simon Hayes on May 7, 2008 4:06 PM |

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THE WHEEL deal rolled into Canary Wharf this morning when a host of cyclists descended on Canada Square to launch the Real Man Cycling Challenge.

The challenge, sponsored by Barclays, takes place on Sunday, September 14, when 2,000 cyclists compete in teams of four over a 35km course starting and finishing at ExCeL London. It will raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Charity and is being held on roads, mainly around Canary Wharf.

Lending his support was Phil Liggett, the familiar voice of cycling over many years of covering the sport on TV. He explained why he was involved.

He said: “I’m an ambassador for the charity. I hope we’ll raise lots of money because they’ve got the corporates involved and they’ve got the influence to get these roads closed. It’s going to be a very interesting concept and I really hope they get big support.”

Liggett, 64, believes the attraction of the event demonstrates how cycling is going from strength to strength in the UK, with recent success at the World Track Championships as well as the spectacular visit of the Tour de France last year.

He said: “There’s an awful lot of people riding bikes and they want to keep fit and stay fit and I’m very pleased about it.

“We’ve had the problems with drugs but the funny thing is cycling has not lost its attraction, which is what we wanted. We’re winning the drugs battle too but more importantly people have realised that riding bikes extends your life expectancy and it’s a pleasurable way to go to work. You save a lot of money too – once you’ve bought the bike.”

Also at the launch was former Chelsea and England defender Graeme Le Saux, who will be competing in the event. He played down his chances of winning.

He said: “We’re not looking to win it necessarily but 35k between four people on a relatively flat, car-free environment will be great. It’ll be a real privilege to be part of something really exciting.”

For more information or to register team for The Real Man Cycling Challenge, log onto www.realmancyclingchallenge.com