Darren Waters from Newport Gwent Dragons urges Newport workplaces, employees and individuals to take part in the first ever Newport Cycle Challenge that kicks off with it’s launch event at the Intellectual Property Offices on Monday 9 September and runs for three weeks.
“Basically its loads better by bike” says Darren. “By going to www.lovetoride.net/newport and registering as an organisation or an individual, you can take part in a fun, free competition with great prizes up for grabs. Encourage your workforce to benefit from cycling and take on other employers in Newport for the coveted 2013 title!”
It’s not about who can cycle the furthest, it’s about getting as many people as possible to give cycling a go so they can experience the benefits first hand. There are top prizes for organisations, teams and individuals and you can access other local cycling information through the website.
Supported with funding from Environment Wales, the Newport Cycle Challenge is open to anyone over 16 and includes a fun competition between businesses in Newport, as well as Challenging Swansea who are in their second year.
People can cycle anywhere they like, anytime they like over the three-week period. Organisations that get the highest percentage of staff to take part will take the top spots in the live leader-board and battle it out with other Newport organisations
Sandy Sullivan, local project manager confirmed the interest from Newport-based businesses: “Many local companies have already organised their own in house events with 'try a bike' sessions using bikes supplied from Newport City Council and a Watt Bike Challenge supported Welsh Cycling. It’s great to see that collaboration between the Council, Welsh Cycling and organisations is proving to be of real benefit to all those who want to cycle or give cycling a go.”
Challenge for Change’s Sam Robinson added: “This is our third year in Wales and we have inspired 4,500 people and 500 organisations to take part in that time. We expect 2013 to be another great year as Newport also go head to head with Swansea. It’s going to be a lot of fun and we urge individuals and Newport based organisations to go to www.lovetoride.net/newport and register now to take part!”
There are a whole host of great prizes that people can win just by participating, including a top of the range Merida Mountain Bike supplied by newly opened South Wales Bikes, team experiences, weekly prize draws and hundreds of cinema tickets to give away.
Registrations are still open and it’s free to participate. For more information, go to www.lovetoride.net/newport
