RIDE2MONZA CREW GEARING UP FOR CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME

• Cyclists preparing for nine-day ride from Silverstone to Monza
• Group raising money for several worthy causes

A group of Formula 1 fans will make the journey of a lifetime later this year by embarking on a charity cycle ride from Silverstone to Monza in time for the Italian Grand Prix (5-7 September).

Covering an incredible 800 miles (1,290km) in just nine days, the trip will take the 23-strong crew from their British starting point through France, Switzerland and Italy, arriving at Milan's legendary Autodromo di Monza on Friday 5 September.

And while the participants are experienced cyclists, the trip nevertheless represents a significant undertaking. Traversing the mountainous Alps region will see them climb over 53,000 feet, while the average time in the saddle per-day is likely to be a gruelling nine hours.

But they'll be driven on by several very worthy charities, and with Ride2Monza funded entirely by those taking part every penny raised will go directly to these causes. 

The effort follows 2012's highly successful Ride2Spa and is led by Rich Tindale, a keen cyclist and Formula 1 fan who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis since 2007.

'In 2011 I was recovering from a relapse that affected my vision quite badly,' Rich recalls. 'I love cycling, but at the time I couldn't even think about getting on a bike. So I told myself that when I was back in action I'd arrange a charity ride to an F1 race in support of the MS Trust. It's a great way to combine two things I love while raising funds and awareness for a charity that's very close to my heart.'

The four-day trip saw the riders journey to the iconic Belgian Grand Prix venue, where they watched Jenson Button secure victory from pole position after raising in excess of '23,000 for their chosen charities. However this year's ride will be about more than just raising money.

'While we were organising Ride2Spa my best friend Simon Campbell's new-born boy Jasper was diagnosed with leukaemia, so we decided to support charities which had helped the family during a very difficult time,' explains Rich.

'Jasper received a bone marrow transplant at Birmingham Children's Hospital in March 2012, and when we rode to Spa he was in remission and looking really well. However, his leukaemia returned in August 2013, and tragically Jasper lost his battle on 14 October 2013. This put a hold on all things Ride2Monza and really made us think about whether it should take place.

'But after some thought Simon has decided he wants to go ahead. As such, he'll be cycling the 800 miles in memory of his little boy Jasper.'

With this in mind the group's effort has taken on new significance and they are keen to create as much buzz around the ride as possible. Media involvement and support would be welcomed and those wishing to cover Ride2Monza are encouraged to get in touch using the details below.

ENDS

For more information, including how to become involved with Ride2Monza, please contact Rich Tindale on +44 (0)7809 641115 or info@ride2monza.com, or view further details at www.ride2monza.com. You can also follow their progress on Twitter and on Facebook.