Cyclists gear up for the biggest ever Tour de Dyson in aid of dementia research

More cyclists than ever before will be embarking on the mammoth Tour de Dyson fundraiser when it returns next month. So far, over 80 Dyson people have signed up to take part in the gruelling challenge, which will see them tackle a 60 or 100-mile route on Wednesday, 6 September.

The enthusiastic cyclists will be riding in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity. This is the third year Dyson has supported the cause, after Dyson people voted for Alzheimer’s Research UK to continue as their charity partner.

For this year’s Tour de Dyson, the organisers – Daniel Knox, Tom Kerr, James Nelson and Charlie Pouget – have devised two routes near the Malmesbury-based technology company’s headquarters, travelling through the beautiful local countryside, so more people can get involved.

Those attempting the 100-mile cycle will start off at Dyson, before heading west towards the Severn Bridge and over to Wales. They will then be doing a hilly loop around parts of South Wales before turning back to head back over the iconic Severn Bridge and heading back to Malmesbury – not forgetting the 2,000 metre climb they will also face during their challenge.

Those going for the shorter – yet still very challenging – 60-mile ride will be following the same route to start with. They will split off from the pack after crossing the bridge before returning to Dyson. Cycling shop, Performance Cycles, based in Cirencester will be supporting the group on the day by fixing any mechanical issues and transporting food supplies.

The Tour de Dyson team are hoping to raise £5,250 through their efforts, which will be match funded by The James Dyson Foundation. Last year, the event raised £10,500 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, after the group of around 40 pedalled hundreds of miles through Snowdonia and the French Alps between them.

Daniel, a Senior Design Engineer at Dyson, said:

“It’s going to be another great year for the Tour de Dyson, particularly as we have more people than ever before taking part. It’s an event that gets lots of interest, so we wanted to do something this year that allowed more people to sign up. We’re really pleased with the numbers so far and we’re sure there will be a few more on the day. It does take a lot of organising, particularly planning the routes, but it’s all worthwhile and helped by the other committee members that help run the Dyson Cycling Club.”

The 33-year-old added:

“What makes Tour de Dyson even better is the fact that we’re fundraising for a great cause. Dyson voted for Alzheimer’s Research UK to be the charity partner once again because so many people are affected, whether directly or indirectly, by dementia.”

Vicky Lake, Regional Partnerships Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We’re so excited to see Tour de Dyson return for another year. It’s a fantastic event and one that Dyson people really get behind. Over the past few years, the Tour de Dyson challenge has raised an incredible amount of money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and we’re sure they’ll do another brilliant job. As dementia is our greatest medical challenge – with 850,000 people living with the devastating condition today and this number set to rise to one million by 2025 – the support of companies like Dyson is crucial. We wish all riders the best of luck and we’ll be there to cheer you on, on the day.”

To support the Tour de Dyson team, visit www.justgiving.com/companyteams/Tourdedyson2017