• Riders complete epic Trust Bike Ride
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    Riders complete epic Trust Bike Ride

    By 13 October, 2023 No Comments
    PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS' TRUST PRESS RELEASE

    London To Paris Bike Ride for the Trust finishes on the Champs-Élysées.

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    The Professional Cricketers’ Trust London to Paris Bike Ride has been completed by more than 30 riders to help raise vital funds for the players’ charity.

    Commencing on a sunny Tuesday morning at the Kia Oval, 418km and multiple hill climbs later, the riders crossed the finish line on the Champs-Élysées in front of the famous Arc de Triomphe in the rather overcast French capital.

    As the riders completed the epic challenge, the flagship event for the Trust in 2023 had raised over £37,000 for the players’ charity with the figure standing at over £38,000 on Friday morning.

    The epic journey was supported by Brooks Macdonald as ride sponsors, Kerry London as the helmet sponsor and Pavé cycling apparel providing the kit but it wasn’t all plain sailing. Professional Cricketers’ Trust Director and Glamorgan bowler James Harris had a fall on the first day but managed to continue the ride with a few cuts and bruises.

    Cycling from London to Paris wasn’t enough for Harris and group one teammate, PCA Commercial Director Rob Smyth, as the pair remain in the saddle, riding all the way back to London in under 24 hours.

    Arriving back in England at 10:40pm this evening (Friday 13 October), they then have to navigate the four-hour trip from Brighton back to London. Best of luck to both of them.

    You can sponsor their individual efforts here:

    Harris’ fall wasn’t the only bad luck that struck the lead peloton, as coming through the French countryside on the final day, they experienced three punctures.

    Middlesex’s Martin Andersson fell foul of a mechanical malfunction on his own bike and was forced on to a spare. Initially rather underwhelmed by the replacement, the all-rounder began to love his new wheels.

    Keeping everyone entertained on social media via the Professional Cricketers’ Trust accounts was England and South East Stars pair Alice Davidson-Richards and Freya Davies, who provided a wonderful video diary of their experience from day one all the way to Paris.

    Day One

    Day Two

    Day Three

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    The ride was also completed by Surrey duo Dan Worrall and Jordan Clark, alongside Gloucestershire’s James Bracey and Worcestershire’s Rob Jones.

    The challenge began on World Mental Health Day allowing for further conversations to be had surrounding the importance of past and present players’ mental wellbeing.

    The Trust was created to support the life-long health and wellbeing of past and present cricketers and their immediate families. As part of professional cricket’s leading charity, the Trust funds life-changing assistance through expert advice, rehabilitation programmes and a dedicated 24-hour Confidential Helpline, all vital services that riders will be using as inspiration throughout three day cycle.

    You can still help the Trust complete its life-changing and sometimes life-saving work by donating to the London to Paris challenge.

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    Professional Cricketers’ Trust Director and Glamorgan bowler, James Harris, said: “I want to thank everyone that has donated to the cause. We do challenges like this to raise vital funds for the Trust because the charity relies on support of the cricket family, especially as it currently operates without a funding partner.

    “The work that the Trust do is phenomenal and I’ve seen how it can help past and present cricketers that fall upon hard times.”

    “The cycling has been brilliant, I had an incident on day one and went down on the edge of the road but nothing too serious. In the main we’ve been going pretty quick apart from three punctures on the final day.

    “It’s a great challenge that all the riders have completed because not everyone is used to cycling this distance.”

    Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batter, James Bracey, said: “Arriving in Paris, it was an unbelievable experience. It’s been the best three days ever, we had a great guide and thanks to the Trust for their hard work in organising everything.

    “It seemed pretty daunting at the start but it’s been really good fun and the driving factor is obviously the money that we’ve raised for a great cause in the Trust. Having everyone under the Arc de Triomphe was great and I’m sure I’ll wake up extremely sore in the morning. I can’t wait to do it again the next time it comes round.”

    Surrey all-rounder, Jordan Clark, said: “The bike ride to Paris has been an absolute pleasure, I was apprehensive at first as the only ride I’ve ever done was riding a lime bike from Fulham to the Kia Oval but everyone has been a great help.

    “The vibe around the event has been superb and we’ve been looked after brilliantly and it has been great to raise some money for a great cause. The Trust has been absolutely brilliant for those that have fallen on hard times and I’m sure people are willing to contribute. I’d definitely do it again I would recommend it, even if you’re not massively into cycling. Thanks for having me on board.”

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