Press release - 9th July 2009
Christie pedal power boosted by Olympic Gold medallist
Paul in action at the World Championships in 2007Cyclists gearing up for this Sunday’s annual Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride will be joined by an Olympic Gold medallist.
Paul Manning, 34, won Gold in cycling at the 2008 Beijing Games in the men’s team pursuit event. He is teaming up with five other workmates from ISG building contractors in Salford to take part in the 60-mile ride to raise money for The Christie.
The squad, named Team ISG Ironmen, is made up of all ages and abilities and members have been busy training for the ride which starts from Manchester United Football Ground, Old Trafford. The route takes riders along country lanes to the finish line on Blackpool’s South Promenade where they will get to enjoy a well-earned massage, barbecue and live music.
Paul said: “The Christie is a local hospital and a great cause. The ride will be a challenge for the team but a fantastic opportunity to raise as much money as possible.”
He added: “I think our team are more intimidated by the distance and I hope that they see me as a positive addition to the team to help them through, rather than compete against.”
Paul, who has now retired from elite sport, has competed in three Olympic Games. He won a Bronze medal at the Sydney games in 2000 and a Silver at Athens in 2004.
Events officer at the Christie charity, Marco Giannini, said: “It is fantastic to have an Olympic Gold medalist taking part on behalf of our charity, but we want to say a huge good luck to everyone who has entered this year’s bike ride in aid of The Christie.
“If anyone’s not signed up already, they can do by visiting www.bike-events.com or they can register on the day.”
The Seddon Group, the national construction-based group of companies, is an official sponsor of the Christie charity’s sporting events, such as this bike ride, during 2009 and 2010.
For more information please contact:
The Christie in Manchester is one of the leading cancer centres in Europe - registering around 12,500 new patients and treating about 40,000 patients every year.
You can now subscribe to Christie's appeal news releases by adding our RSS address to your news aggregator.