Etape Caledonia Announces New Charity Partner as Places Open for 2012 Challenge

Sept. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- Etape Caledonia, an IMG Challenger World event, today announced Marie Curie Cancer Care as its new charity partner as registrations opened for the hugely successful closed road sportive which will take place on May 13, 2012.

The partnership will see Marie Curie join forces with this prestigious event for the next 3 years. Funds raised by participants will help provide free nursing care and support for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes or in one of the charity’s hospices.

The 81 mile Etape Caledonia sold out in 2011, and over 6000 riders have since registered their interest to ride in 2012. With only 5000 places available in the 2012 event, those riders will today be given a preferential window to enter, with entries to the wider cycling public opening on Monday at 1pm.

Etape Caledonia, now in its sixth successful year was the UK’s first closed road sportive and is the largest event of its kind outside of mainland Europe. It is estimated to generate over £1million of additional value to the local economy through tourism related spend including accommodation, food and visitor attractions.

Announcing the 3-year partnership, James Robinson, Managing Director of IMG Challenger World said: "I am thrilled that we will be working with such a worthwhile charity as Marie Curie Cancer Care. The work that Marie Curie nurses do is inspiring and we are pleased that Etape Caledonia will raise more funds for them.  We are also working on some more exciting projects with them that will be announced shortly.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Director of Fundraising, Fabian French, said:
“We are extremely proud to be on board as the new charity partner of this premier cycling event and excited to have such an iconic challenge to offer new and existing supporters. Participants will be invited to join our Daffodil Team where we will offer support and advice all the way to the finish line.”

He continued “This 81 mile ride offers cyclists a great individual challenge but also the opportunity to help others by raising valuable funds to provide more free nursing care and support to terminally ill people and their families.“

Participants wishing to register for Etape Caledonia and raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care should visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk