Press release -
Charity’s 2015 Classic Series to launch at Men United Arms
Prostate Cancer UK’s hugely popular Classic Series unveils its 2015 programme with a bang this weekend as exclusive Men United Arms pubs in Ipswich and Exmouth host jam-packed weekends of rugby, entertainment - and cycling.
The charity is calling for riders to conquer the stunning Suffolk Coast in the 2015 Saxon Classic ride in June and the Devon hills in the 2015 Jurassic Classic in August in support of the Men United movement to beat prostate cancer and keep friendships alive.
Following the inaugural Saxon Classic last year, the picturesque ride throughout the English countryside, named in homage to the region’s historical roots, will start and finish in Ipswich on Sunday, June 28.
And the charity’s ‘Summer Of Friendship’ will also include the fourth annual Jurassic Classic in Exmouth, the event getting underway on Sunday, August 16 at 7am.
Both events cater for cyclists of all levels with distances ranging from 50 to 160km, across three routes and groups of mates are being encouraged to do something great together and raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
But before that two hugely popular pubs will exclusively become The Men United Arms as they saddle up alongside their friends from the charity from Friday March 20 to Sunday March 22.
In the Dove Street Inn in Ipswich the entertainment kicks-off with a night of live music on the Friday evening from 7pm with the pub showing live coverage of the England v France Six Nations rugby showdown from 5pm on Saturday followed by the not-to-be-missed Men United quiz.
And on Sunday, riders can sample the scenery during a 40km training ride along the Saxon Classic route with ride leaders from Elmy Cycles leading the peloton away from the Men United Arms at 10am.
On the same weekend in Exmouth, the Country House Inn will showcase live music on the Friday evening from 7pm with the pub showing live coverage of the rugby followed by karaoke and a Men United raffle.
And on Sunday, riders can sample the scenery during a 40km training ride along the Jurassic Classic route with ride leaders from Execel @ Cycling leading the peloton away from the Men United Arms at 10am.
Prostate Cancer UK’s Head of Events Andy Sallnow said: “Last year saw our first Saxon Classic in Suffolk and the third running of our Jurassic Classic ride in East Devon. Close to 1,000 riders joined Men United to push themselves to complete distances of 50km, 100km and 160km, raising over £80,000 for Prostate Cancer UK in the process. We’re building our 2015 events to be even more successful, and we’re inviting cyclists of all abilities to join the movement for everyone who believes men are worth fighting for.”
Both events will be fully signed and will include a t-shirt, timing chips, downloadable maps and resources, and well-stocked food stations along the route, and mechanical and emergency support on the day.
As well as watching their friends and loved ones, supporters can take advantage of a variety of entertainment, events and activities planned on the day.
Riders who sign up before March 31st and use the code PCUKSXN15 (Saxon Classic) and PCUKJCS15 (Jurassic Classic) can get 20% off their Fundraising or Sportive entry.
Fundraisers can enter the 50km event and pay £18 or choose 100km/160km and pay £28. Both have a minimum sponsorship target of £50. For the Sportive option, choose the 50km and pay £30 to enter or choose 100/160km and pay £45.
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Topics
- Sport
Categories
- fundraising
- cycling
Since it was launched 12 months ago, Men United has caught the imagination, and a new zeal for change in men’s health - with more than 200,000 people signing up to pledge support. Men from all walks of life, from footballers to lawyers and politicians to plumbers, have formed a growing army, raising funds to find the answers for the future through research and supporting men now.
People can search for Men United, or join the ever-growing movement of men by visiting prostatecanceruk.org/menunited.
o Men United is Prostate Cancer UK’s movement for everyone who believes that men are worth fighting for, to help us beat prostate cancer and keep friendships alive. Over 200,000 people engaged with Men United in 2014.
o Search Men United, or visit prostatecanceruk.org/menunited
o Prostate Cancer UK works to get men in all areas of the country the early detection, effective diagnosis and better treatments that will beat this disease.
o Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 10,000 men die every year from this male-only disease, and 300,000 men are living with prostate cancer in the UK.
Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or via the online Live chat, instant messaging service: www.prostatecanceruk.org. The Specialist Nurse phone service is free to landlines and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.
About the Saxon Classic:
Tucked away on the East Coast, just an hour away from London, Suffolk is a hidden gem for bike riders due to its ancient rural landscape, coastal estuaries and wild coastlines.
Starting and finishing at Ipswich Rugby Club from 7am, riders in the Saxon Classic travel towards the coastline via Woodbridge, stopping off at the first feed station in Orford, where the route moves north.
The majority of the route is flat, allowing the ride to flow, with around 1,300m of climbing on the longest route to offer an added challenge.
On average, 468 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer per year in Suffolk.
To help raise awareness of the disease, the Classic Series is aiming to further build on the efforts of its inaugural event that raised over £34,000.
About the Jurassic Classic:
Nestled on the Devon coast, the Jurassic Classic has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2012 with more than £250,000 raised in the three events to date.
The ride itself starts at Exmouth Rugby Club from 7am and follows the Jurassic Coast east, passing Sidmouth, travelling inland to Colyton before passing Axminster and Honiton as riders weave their way back to the start.
This challenging yet rewarding event gives riders first-class views from Peak Hill, Seaton, Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
On average, 1,015 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer per year in Devon.
To help raise awareness of the disease, the Classic Series is aiming to further build on the efforts of last year’s event which raised over £56,000.
James test
