Riders From 100 Countries Expected to Join Third Annual
“Ride On for World Bicycle Relief” on December 2, 2017
The third annual “Ride On for World Bicycle Relief” will kick off at 12 AM PST on Saturday, December 2, 2017 with participants from more than 100 countries expected to join the online cycling world of Zwift, making it the world’s biggest virtual bike ride to date. Following record high participation in 2016, the 24-hour event aims to draw at least 35,000 riders and raise $250,000 this year. All funds raised will benefit global nonprofit World Bicycle Relief and provide bicycles for students, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs across Africa.
“The “Zwiftathon” unites World Bicycle Relief supporters from across the world in one 24-hour period and enables them to make a huge impact on the mission to mobilize people with the Power of Bicycles®,” said World Bicycle Relief Development Director Katie Bolling. “We appreciate the support from Trek, Zwift, SRAM, Wahoo Fitness, InGamba, Osmo Nutrition, Giordana, CycleOps and all the leaders and athletes at Specialized, Trek, Canyon, Giant and Cannondale who are supporting this event.”
Participants will ride alongside some of the world’s top cyclists including, Jens Voigt, Laurens ten Dam, Lawson Craddock, Mirinda Carfrae, Andy Hampsten, Anna van der Breggen, and several athletes from the Trek-Segafredo team and the women’s Canyon/SRAM team – with several other big names to come. Together, riders will work to reach one million total miles over the 24-hour period and unlock a special $40,000 donation from Trek Bicycles. Registered riders who fundraise will also be eligible to win a variety of prizes, including a Stinner/Zwift bike with SRAM and an InGamba trip to Tuscany, during the “Ride On for World Bicycle Relief”.
“Trek is thrilled to support ‘Ride On for World Bicycle Relief’ for the third year in a row,” said Adam Kostichka, Trek Bicycle Advocacy Manager. “Not only do we have several Trek athletes participating, but we’re hoping to encourage every rider to push hard and log as many miles as they can to help us get to our ultimate goal of one million total miles in the 24-hour period.”
There is no fee to register for the event but each rider is encouraged to fundraise at least $294 – the cost of providing two bicycles for WBR’s programs in Africa. During the 24-hour ride, participants will be visible throughout Zwift in a World Bicycle Relief kit while riding on the organization’s signature Buffalo Bicycle – the purpose-built, specially designed bicycle that World Bicycle Relief distributes in rural developing areas around the world where distance is a barrier to education, healthcare and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Let’s all come together and show our support for The Power of Bicycles,” said Jens Voigt, who created his own personal fundraising page to encourage fans to donate. To help Jens reach his goal and support World Bicycle Relief, go to: https://give.worldbicyclerelief.org/jensforwbr
Join Zwift, World Bicycle Relief, Trek Bicycle and the greater cycling community around the world on December 2nd as we collectively celebrate The Power of Bicycles® and support the work of World Bicycle Relief.
To learn more about the Ride On for World Bicycle Relief and register, go to: https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/event/ride-world-bicycle-relief/
