Thales employees have taken to their bikes this summer to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. Two cycling events have taken place; the Raid Alpine Cycle and the Route 47 Celtic Challenge.
 

Raid Alpine Cycle

What started as an annual day out of cycling for a group of friends from Thales's site in Belfast has now turned into something far greater; a biennial event that has seen the group take on some extremely challenging routes over a number of points across Europe, raising money for various charities along the way.

In 2010, the Mizen to Malin cycling route took the group from the most southerly point in Ireland to the most northerly within five days, covering approximately 500 miles of road and raising a total of £1,145 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. In 2012, £1,222 was raised for the Alzheimer's Society as the group faced the arduous Camino de Santiago route, over the Pyrenees from southern France to Santiago in Spain, spanning across 500 miles of off-road cycle and 14,000 metres of climbing. The next challenge in 2014 saw the Raid Pyrenees route accomplished, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean coast, impressively completed in 100 hours. Again, the Alzheimer's Society was the selected charity, with £1,985 raised.
 

This year's challenge, however, was the toughest to date. From 18 - 23 June, nine Thales employees from Belfast (including one retiree) braved the prestigious Raid Alpine route, taking the team on a stunning 500 mile road cycle over the Alps, from Geneva to Antibes in south-eastern France. The route taken meant pitting the team against some of the classic Alpine Cols mountain passes, namely Col d'Izoard (2,360 metres), Col de l'Iseran (2,760 metres) and the notoriously tough Col de la Bonette (2,800 metres); the highest paved route in Europe and the scene of some epic Tour de France moments.

Despite experiencing weather conditions ranging from heavy rain and hail to scorching 30°C temperatures, conditions were generally much kinder than anticipated, allowing the group to really take in some of the breathtaking views. After 17,000 metres of gruelling climbs and several thrilling descents, the team completed the challenge in six days and raised a remarkable £2,465 for Prostate Cancer UK.
 

Route 47 Celtic Challenge

From 30 June - 3 July, a team of seventeen brave cyclists rode approximately 250 miles from Aberporth to Weybridge to complete the Route 47 Celtic Challenge. Amongst the team was a range of experience and preparation levels, with some doing hundreds of miles in training while others as little as 25. Some had owned bikes for years, while others just two weeks. They started the journey as individuals, but finished as a team that supported each other commendably over the three day, 3,800 metre accent and 250 mile trip across the UK.

The adventure started with a wonderful view over the Atlantic, and perfect weather for cycling. The team headed east towards Abergavenny with the Brecon Beacons to follow. A 400 metre climb over Mynydd Llanybyther challenged everyone, only to be made even more strenuous by the heavy rain that hampered progress. Nevertheless, the team emerged triumphant at the top and with weather conditions improving, they continued towards Llandovery. 92 miles later, day one was complete.
 

The target for the second day was Swindon with the Severn Bridge marking halfway. While the hills weren't as high as day one's, they were made much harder with tired legs. The first hill out of Abergavenny proved to be tough, but with a great tail wind, the group soon made it across the Bridge. The second day saw the team cycle 80 miles. With the finish in sight, the third and final day started with perfect weather in the Cotswolds countryside. Everyone was feeling the previous two days, but with some strong encouragement between the team, motivation to complete the challenge remained intact. As the finish line in Weybridge drew close, spirits were high.

Despite the punctures, falls, mechanical issues and appalling weather conditions, the Route 47 Celtic Challenge was completed. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, worked together as a team and completed the challenge as a peloton. An astonishing £16,145 was raised for Prostate Cancer UK, surpassing the £15,300 target.

Partnership with Prostate Cancer UK

We are in our second year supporting Prostate Cancer UK and all money raised by Thales goes towards funding the ‘Tool Kit’. The Tool Kit is an information pack specifically put together for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer to help them understand the options available to them.
The Tool Kit is currently helping thousands of men who are facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer. This high quality health information is helping men and their families understand their condition, make informed decisions, know where to go for support, and improve their well-being.
The Tool Kit is given out by health professionals and often by Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses, who take around 35 calls a day from men with concerns about prostate cancer.

Please visit the Prostate Cancer UK website for more information.