They say three is the magic number and it certainly was for the Cycle to MAPIC, which entered its third year this year with an 820km, four-day ride from Barcelona to Cannes for the annual retail conference.
Numbers on the charity ride, organised by Club Peloton and sponsored by CBRE, swelled to 45, with investors, developers, agents and occupiers from the retail world treated to a touch of winter sun as they pedalled their way from Spain and into France through challenging but stunning scenery.
The ride, which raises money for children’s charity Coram, broke through the £100,000 barrier this year. That money will find and prepare 60 adoptive parents, provide a lifetime of post-adoption support for 20 children and enable six children to be placed with their “forever families”.
Helen Barnish, head of international development at Hamleys and one of just three women who cycled the full distance, said: “This is the hardest thing I have ever done, both physically and mentally. The climbs in the mountains were sometimes gruelling and I had to reach my deepest strength to keep going. However, watching the sun rise and set every day was just beautiful.”
She added: “The support from Club Peloton was fantastic from the whole organisation pre, during and post ride, the team of support riders who motivated me and kept me going, the motorbikes holding the traffic, the back-up support team, and the incredible massage ladies. I met the most amazing set of people and became part of a team. A wonderful life experience.”
Nick Searl, partner at King’s Cross developer Argent and Club Peloton chairman, said: “Club Peloton’s Cycle To MAPIC is now firmly on the map of great multi-day cycling events, alongside the MIPIM ride that is already held in such high regard. The final 182km on day four has to come in my top three all-time rides. The 45 hardy souls endured three hours of cold fog after an early start, but were rewarded with sunshine and blue skies as we descended sweeping bends towards the Mediterranean. An epic day of camaraderie and great memories.”
To find out more about Club Peloton and how you can get involved in one of its property industry charity rides, visit www.clubpeloton.org
SPONSORS
Headline sponsor: CBRE
Team sponsors: Citygrove, Colliers International, Completely Group, Doherty Baines, TH Real Estate, McLaren
Supporting sponsors: King’s Cross, ICB Real Estate, Aulton, Savills, DeVilliers, Cormack
