The King’s Cross Cycle to MAPIC sets off from Girona in just over two weeks. Here a few of the riders share their reasons for riding the 700km to Cannes. Portraits by John Sturrock
James Findlater, head of shopping centre investment, Colliers International
Bike: Cervelo R3
Why are you riding? Camaraderie, charity, spectacular scenery and some of the most well organised and brilliantly supported kilometres any cyclist could wish for – who wouldn’t want the VIP luxury of motorbike outriders?
Top tip for other riders? Having a beard reduces your drag coefficient. Probably.
What does Coram mean to you? Coram changes young lives forever. It’s awesome to know that through this event, children that have suffered tragedy or bereavement in their early life can find stable loving homes and go on to prosper.
Claire Levitt, project director, Argent
Bike: Kinesis Cyclocross
Why are you riding? It’s a challenge and opportunity I couldn’t pass up. King’s Cross is sponsoring the Cycle to MAPIC for the next three years so of course I put my hand up for a good cause, to support the retail team and to encourage other female riders to join the group.
What are you most looking forward to? The fresh air, scenery and massages.
Most likely business conversation in the peloton? It will be about Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross. I joined Argent in January this year to help the team deliver the retail strategy for Coal Drops Yard, which will open to the public in autumn 2018. It’s such an exciting and intriguing part of King’s Cross, it’s hard not to talk about it.
What does Coram mean to you? It’s great to support a charity that gives vulnerable children the best possible start in life and the money raised from the ride goes directly to the charity and not towards the ride.
David Bannister, director, Nash Bond
Bike: Specialized Tarmac
Why are you riding? Last year was a great challenge and I wanted to repeat that, but this year it is mainly for Coram.
What are you most looking forward to? After a long climb, the fast descents through small French towns are really exhilarating.
Most likely business conversation in the peloton? I think this year it will be Brexit, and how that will affect our industry. In addition the rates revaluation will no doubt be a source of much discussion.
What does Coram mean to you? A lot. Following the ride last year I was given a tour of the museum. Coram do such excellent work, and I also found out that my kids will be going to a school named after Thomas Coram, the philanthropist who was first responsible for looking after London’s fledgling children.
Craig White, Project director for retail leasing at King’s Cross, Argent
Bike: Canyon Ultimate
Why are you riding? To raise much-needed funds for all of Club Peloton’s nominated charities, in particular Coram, and because the Cycle to MAPIC is an incredible platform to raise awareness about the retail revolution happening at King’s Cross.
Most likely business conversation in the peloton? Brexit…
What does Coram mean to you? I’m very proud to raise funds for Coram. When you see the results of where the money goes it is really emotional to have helped in some small way.
Anna Coverdale, director, Coverdale Barclay
Bike: Domane Trek
Why are you riding? To raise money for a great cause, to have a goal to train for, to keep fit and to take full advantage of the great networking opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to? That first glass of wine on day one, the camaraderie, the exhilarating and emotional feeling when you arrive in Cannes and that first bowl of chips in the bar afterwards.
Most likely business conversation in the peloton? What are you up to and how can Coverdale Barclay’s PR and marketing experience add value to a live or future project.
What does Coram mean to you? A dynamic and successful children’s charity that offers, among others, much needed post-adoption services.
Steve Whyman, chief executive, Broadgate Estates
Bike: Bianchi
Why are you riding? To raise money for Coram.
Top tip for other riders? Double up on padded shorts and learn to love chamois cream.
What does Coram mean to you? Championing the cause of vulnerable children.
Get ready for MIPIM 2017
Club Peloton launched its flagship ride earlier this month, the 2017 Legal & General Real Assets Cycle to MIPIM. This year, to cater for demand and raise even more money for principal charity Coram, two rides will be run simultaneously to arrive in Cannes in time for property’s biggest networking event. Both will depart London on 9 March and arrive in Cannes six days later. One route will go via Calais, the other via Caen.
Both groups will rejoin each other at the end of the fourth day in Valence, before completing the fifth and sixth days together. Bill Hughes, head of LGIM Real Assets, said: “The cycle has more riders than ever this year which provides a fantastic networking platform for the industry through sport. We are focused on encouraging health and well-being in the workplace and our sponsorship of Cycle to MIPIM sits well with this.”
To date, Club Peloton has raised £2.5m in grants, of which more than £800,000 has gone to Coram. This year it is hoped Cycle to MIPIM’s contributions to Coram will pass the £1m mark.
To find out about sponsorship opportunities for the event, visit www.clubpeloton.org
Race to dinner
Club Peloton hosted its annual gala dinner at the Olympic Velodrome in Stratford, E15, last month. Teams from across the industry raced each other on the iconic cycle track and were treated to a dinner in the company of Tour de France legend Jens Voigt and Rio Olympics gold medal winning track cyclist Owain Doull.
SEE ALSO: Industry cyclists go for gold
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