Zwift to Host Ride On for World Bicycle Relief

CHICAGO - Nov. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- On December 5^th, Zwift will host the first-ever virtual Ride On for World Bicycle Relief, a 24-hour event that will unite professional riders and everyday athletes from all corners of the globe to raise awareness and funds to mobilize people through The Power of Bicycles®.

“We are fortunate to have Zwift as a partner for this global fundraising event that will embrace 'The Power of Bicycles and The Power of You.' We are thrilled that Zwift is utilizing its dynamic and influential platform to benefit World Bicycle Relief,” said Katie Bolling, World Bicycle Relief’s Development Director of Individual Giving.

Many world class cyclists have committed to the ride including Jens Voigt, Evie Stevens, Ted King, Fumiyuki Beppu, Laurens ten Dam, as well as riders from Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung and Optum Pro Cycling, with more pro cyclists yet to be announced. Ride On for World Bicycle Relief hopes to bring together the largest virtual community ever on bicycles. Zwift has added two features to the ride to emphasize World Bicycle Relief’s global work; all registered riders will be wearing World Bicycle Relief kits and will be riding on Buffalo Bicycles in the virtual game.

“I’m looking forward to joining thousands of friends around the world for a Zwift ride on December 5th to benefit World Bicycle Relief. Let’s all come together and show our support for the Power of Bicycles®,” said Jens Voigt.

Ride On for World Bicycle Relief will mobilize the Zwift community to raise $25,000 that will provide bicycles for students in one school in rural Africa. The funds will also train and equip bicycle mechanics in the community to keep the bicycles in good condition. In lieu of a registration fee, each rider is encouraged to fundraise $147, the cost of providing one bicycle for a student.

"At its core, Zwift is a community of people who love cycling. When World Bicycle Relief reached out to us to help raise awareness for their amazing cause, I knew this was a perfect match. It brings me great joy to know that our community’s passion for bicycles can help make a difference for those who use them as a means for survival,” said Mike McCarthy, Vice President of Partnerships at Zwift.

To inspire participants to ride farther and reach higher fundraising goals, Trek Bicycle just announced that it will donate $20,000 if all participating riders reach 50,000 miles collectively in the 24-hour period and an additional $20,000, if the riders reach 100,000 miles.

“We support World Bicycle Relief because we believe they do amazing work with bicycles. We’re proud to contribute to the impact that the Zwift ride is making through the Ride On for World Bicycle Relief,” said Adam Kostichka, Trek Bicycle Advocacy Manager.

Join Zwift, World Bicycle Relief, Trek Bicycle and the cycling community around the world on December 5th as we collectively celebrate The Power of Bicycles® and support the work of World Bicycle Relief.

Ride On for World Bicycle Relief: http://www.rideonforwbr.com/

About Zwift:

Zwift is the premier digital cycling destination where people from around the globe can ride their bikes in an immersive, life-like interactive experience all in real time. www.zwift.com

About Trek Bicycle:

For more information, visit http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/

About World Bicycle Relief:

World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through The Power of Bicycles®.  We accomplish our mission by providing simple, sustainable bicycle transportation to people in rural areas in developing countries with the vision to eliminate distance as a barrier to education, healthcare and economic opportunity. World Bicycle Relief has delivered over 250,000 bicycles.

For more information, please visit: www.worldbicyclerelief.org/Follow us @PowerOfBicycles and Like us at facebook.com/worldbicyclerelief

World Bicycle Relief Media Contact:

Brooke Slezak

brooke@brookeslezak.com

press@worldbicyclerelief.org

Mobile: 917.689.6024