Football League cycle ride gets under way
Today sees 350 riders from all across the Football League set off for Amsterdam on the annual cycle ride to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
Niall Pritchard is one of six riders representing Oxford United, and the Oxford United women's team helped set him on his way. Niall he told us how excited he is to be raising funds for such a great cause while also helping the club.
“I have been a keen cyclist for 18 months now following a charity challenge to complete Ride London last year.
“I wanted a new challenge for this year and prostate cancer was a charity which I had an association with as a close family friend was lost to the disease last year. This was a great chance to help to raise vital funds and to represent the football club at the same time was a bonus.
“I have been an Oxford fan since 1984-85 when I was taken to my first game against Birmingham City. Since the move to the Kassam I have had a season ticket most years in the South Stand Upper. There were lots of highlights last year, Wycombe was obviously a big one but unfortunately I was away so for me probably beating Swansea was the one as it was a great chance for the rest of the country to see the progress we have made this season. “
Niall will set off from the iconic Olympic Park’s Velodrome today, while two further groups will kick off at Barnsley FC’s Oakwell Stadium and at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town FC.
“It's a long way!” he told us nervously. “I am a keen cyclist, it is fair to say, and have ramped up the training for this ride. It’s been a bit of a life changer for me as have lost 6 stone since I took it up 16 months ago. I try to go out most weekends but obviously not Saturday afternoons during football season!”
From the initial event in 2013 with a small group of 35 riders, to a total fundraising tally which will smash through the £1m mark this year thanks to a biggest ever peloton; the football-themed cycling challenge has proved a phenomenal success throughout its four years.
People are urged to search Men United and join the fight, and use #F2A to share stories and updates online.
Find our more HERE http://prostatecanceruk.org/amsterdam