Rear view - CT's Steve Purkess models TeamVeloCT's team shirt
UK - Creative Technology (CT) is taking on the 100-mile Vélo Birmingham & Midlands course on Sunday 12 May in aid of Backup - The Technical Entertainment charity.
“CT has supported Backup from the outset and we’ve often said we should do something more than simply supporting its KartFest and GolfFest events,” saysDave Crump, CEO CT Europe & Middle East. “When an opportunity to enter a four-person team into a challenging 100 mile cycle event, it seemed an ideal opportunity to raise some money and awareness for the charity whilst getting fit and Team VeloCT was born.”
The original plan was to take part in the Velo South event last September. The team was formed, training begun, lycra purchased and money raised - a spectacular £7,038 at the last count. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled at the last minute on safety grounds due to severe weather forecasts.
Disheartened but determined, the team has continued training and will now be taking part in Velo Birmingham on 12 May, tackling a similar and equally challenging 100-mile, closed-road ride through the Black Country, starting in Birmingham’s city centre and taking an estimated 17,000 riders through stunning countryside and picturesque villages to finish in the heart of Coventry - the 2021 Capital of Culture.
Dave, initiator of the idea, has unfortunately had to drop out due to back problems, but his place is being taken by former CT employee and now video director extraordinaire, Dick Curruthers. The remainder of the team is unchanged and includes Steve Purkess, Nic Maag and Oliver Last, all from CT.
All of the original supporters were happy to have their donations rolled over for the May event, but the fundraising page is still live at https://velo.raisely.com, so if you have not clicked, given and shown your support there is still time. Team VeloCT’s original target has already been smashed several times, with another big push maybe it could click over into five figures which would be incredible for Backup and recognition of the pain the four guys will be going through on those hills in May.
CT is also supporting Backup’s Bike-Fest, just a week later on 18 May, which starts and finishes at the company’s Sussex HQ. Everyone is welcome for what is set to be a great day for the enthusiast and leisure cyclist alike.
There’s still time to join in, so for more details and to book your place, please visit www.backuptech.uk.
(Jim Evans)

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