Former U.S. Olympian and Cancer Survivor to Ride 2,241-Mile Tour de France Route for Charity
Destination Cycling to organize journey that benefits both the Tyler Hamilton and Lance Armstrong Foundations.
Marblehead, MA (PRWEB) May 25, 2005 -- Destination Cycling today announced that former U.S. Olympian and cancer survivor, Kevin Mahaney, will ride all 2,241 miles of the 2005 Tour de France route this July to raise money for the Tyler Hamilton Foundation (THF) and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). As organizers of the Tour de France Challenge 2005 (TDFC), Destination Cycling will ensure that the 43-year old Mahaney has the necessary support to complete what many people deem the most grueling bike race in the world.
"Life is not a spectator sport," says Kevin Mahaney, after watching the 2002 Tour de France with his three sons and being inspired by the performances of both Tyler Hamilton and Lance Armstrong. Having a close family friend with multiple sclerosis and overcoming a personal battle with cancer in 1993, Kevin Mahaney has chosen THF (multiple sclerosis) and LAF (cancer survivorship) as the TDFC beneficiaries. "Tyler and Lance inspire me and like them, I am not complacent with the status quo. I am dreaming of something impossible that hopefully will encourage others to do the same."
Kevin Mahaney, 43, is no stranger to athletic challenge. In 1992, he won an Olympic Silver Medal in sailing and the prestigious title of Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. In 1995, he founded and skippered the America's Cup defense team "Young America." In 2002, Kevin set a three-year plan to get into cycling shape, bought a bike and started training. In 2005, Kevin approached Destination Cycling to transform his dream into a reality with travel, team and technical support.
"Destination Cycling is in the business of making people's dream vacations possible, no matter how big that dream might be," said Joe Tonon, Destination Cycling's Founder and Director. "It's a major feat to ride 2,241 miles in a year, so to do it in one month, just days before the professional racers pedal through, is extraordinary. The logistics of this ride are daunting as well, but the Destination Cycling team is up for the challenge."
Destination Cycling has organized the staff and logistics for Kevin's ride as a true professional cycling team. Kevin will be supported by a team of eight other riders and a staff including one coach, one mechanic, and three trainers. The team will follow the same exact route as the 2005 Tour de France, covering all 21 stages and a total distance of 2,241 miles (3,606 kilometers). During July, the team will ride the route the day before the professional peloton.
In addition to Destination Cycling, event sponsors include The Olympia Companies, Clif Bar, Kryptonite, Hutchinson Tires, Pedro's, Smith Optics, and Zipp Wheels.
Besides underwriting all trip expenses, Kevin personally has donated to the TDFC, $1 per kilometer cycled. Destination Cycling is matching Kevin's donation. Net proceeds raised from the Tour de France Challenge 2005 will be contributed to the Tyler Hamilton Foundation and Lance Armstrong Foundation. Individual supporters are encouraged to donate to the Tour de France Challenge online at http://www.active.com/donate/tdfchallenge2005.
Asked about why he chose Destination Cycling to lead his epic ride, Kevin explains, "Every other company I approached was afraid to commit to the challenges involved in running such a tour. I chose Destination Cycling because of its knowledge, contacts, and capabilities with organizing European performance cycling tours. Destination Cycling cared about my goals and objectives."
About Destination Cycling
Destination Cycling creates active lifestyle vacations specializing in performance, lifestyle, charity, and custom itineraries. Building on its founders' expertise in European race-oriented cycling vacations, it offers journeys that blend cycling, local traditions, culinary delights, and wellness into unforgettable experiences. For more information, visit www.destinationcycling.com.
About the Tyler Hamilton Foundation
The Tyler Hamilton Foundation's (THF) mission is to provide opportunity and access for individuals affected by multiple sclerosis and aspiring young athletes with a passion for cycling. For more information, visit www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) believes that in your battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis, we provide the practical information and tools you need to live strong. For more information, visit www.laf.org and www.LIVESTRONG.org.
For More Information Contact:
Erin Berard
Marketing Director
Destination Cycling
Phone: 1-877-698-2712 Toll-free
Email: pr@destinationcycling.com
Web: http://www.destinationcycling.com/tdfchallenge2005
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