June 2017| 9
CYCLING NEWS
Help for Heroes
Race Across America
Speaking of cycling challenges, they
don’t come much tougher than
the annual Race Across America.
Starting in California, the race covers
over 3000 miles, climbing 175,000
feet, crossing
states and finishing
in Annapolis, Maryland, the east
coast sailing mecca.
Tour de Yorkshire
Concludes in Chaos
The Tour de Yorkshire is always
a highly-anticipated event on the
cycling calendar, as the three-day
event takes participants through
the most scenic routes that the
county has to offer.
But a team of eight military personnel and veterans
believe they have what it takes to complete the
route. The participants have all been wounded on
duty, either psychologically or physically, yet they
intend to take on the challenge to raise money for
the Help for Heroes charity.
Andrew Perrin is one of the cyclists. He said:
“Cycling is the only time I feel sane and calm. My
mind becomes clear and I can focus on the positives
in life. I always need a challenge or goal to get
through life at the moment. This will be the first
big challenge that will test my physical and mental
abilities.”
To support the team, go to https://www.justgiving.
com/campaigns/charity/helpforheroes/RAAM2017.
Chad Young Crash
This year, however, the success of Serge
Pauwels was marred somewhat by the news
that several cyclists suffered from broken
collarbones after a crash ust before the finish
line on day one.
agnus Scott from rica-Scott was the first
to fall, and the first to damage his collarbone,
which caused a domino effect on the other
participants behind him.
Katusha’s Marco Haller and JLT Condor’s
Russ owning also suffered with broken
collarbones. The injuries ruled them out for the
rest of the weekend. There were many other
riders involved in the crash, including racers
from Team Sky, ONE Pro Cycling, Great Britain
and Madison Genesis, but they were lucky
enough to come away with only minor injuries
Another crash at the Tour de Gila in Mexico has had a more devastating
result, with Chad oung losing his battle after fighting for his life for five
days in intensive care.
The -year-old sustained severe head in uries during the final ‘ ila
Monster’ stage, and doctors predicted a bleak outlook for his future.
Despite quick action from the medical team at the event and a helicopter
rescue team, the injuries were dire, and Young passed away on 29th April.
Friends and family are said to be struggling with the news, and tributes
have been paid by fans and teammates. This sad news comes shortly after
the unrelated deaths of pro-cyclists Steve Tilford and Michele Scarponi.