European cycle event raises vital sponsorship funds for transport charity Transaid

Cyclists from across the transport industry are well on their way to raising more than £100,000 for international development charity Transaid, after riding 360km from London to Amsterdam.

Swapping the hustle and bustle of London for the picturesque Dutch countryside, the cyclists battled early starts, bumpy roads, rain and wind to complete the eighteen hour journey, arriving in the capital of the Netherlands at 5.30pm on Sunday (15th September), where the elated but exhausted riders toasted their success with a glass of champagne.

The funds raised from the event will enable Transaid to continue its vital projects in Africa, which save lives and reduce poverty for rural communities by providing them with better transport solutions.

Transaid's Chief Executive, Gary Forster, who also took part in the event, says: "This year's cycle was absolutely fantastic. It was hard work but everyone had a great time and we've raised a fantastic amount so far for Transaid. "Arriving in Amsterdam was absolutely brilliant and we are so thankful to all the riders who took part and everyone who has supported us. Transaid couldn't continue the vital work it does if it wasn't for all the fantastic support we receive from the industry".

The event was sponsored by Dutch bus and rail company Abellio, which also fielded a team of eight riders for the European cycle. Joining Abellio were Graeme McFaull, Transaid's chairman, Clare Bottle from Lafarge Tarmac and a Transaid trustee, Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport, TFL – back for his second Transaid challenge. There were also representatives from Alpine Coaches, Atkins Global, Backhouse Jones Solicitors, Bandvulc Tyres, Clipper Group, Collect +,Crossrail, Delin Capital, DHL, Goodyear Dunlop Tyres, John Nicholas Antiques, Marks and Spencer, MPIE, Norbert Dentressangle, SKM, Sky High Technology, TFL, Transaid, Transport Times and Wincanton.

And for any cyclists feeling a little more adventurous Transaid is holding its second cycling event of 2013 across Uganda in November. For more information about the event, contact Florence Bearman at Transaid on 020 7387 8136 or email Florence@transaid.org .