Riding the entire route of the Tour of Britain one day ahead of the race is no easy task, so why take on such a huge challenge?
Phil Jones MBE, the managing director of Brother UK, has set himself this “big hairy audacious goal” to raise money for the Dave Rayner Fund.
The Dave Rayner Fund has supported young British riders in their dream of turning professional since 1995. Phil hopes to raise £50,000 so they can continue to do so.
“British Cycling’s Olympic Academy has done an outstanding job in developing British talent, but young riders who don’t receive Lottery funding still face a huge challenge.”
“That’s why it’s vital that the excellent work of the Dave Rayner Fund continues.”
“By raising £50,000, I hope to help them continue to propel talents like Canyon-SRAM’s Hannah Barnes and EF-Drapac’s Dan McLay to the highest level of the sport.”
With Phil’s leadership, Brother UK has developed an impressive track record of support for the UK cycle scene in the last seven years.
Brother UK currently sponsors seven domestic teams, as well as providing the neutral service vehicles for some of Britain’s biggest races – a fitting gesture from a business with the motto “At your side”.
The Dave Rayner Fund depends entirely on donations and volunteers to support some of the most exciting young talents in world cycling. Its roll call of talent is hugely impressive.
David Millar, who won stages and wore the leader’s jersey in all three Grand Tours, was the first rider supported by the Fund.
More recently, Mitchelton-Scott’s Adam Yates, another Rayner Fund ‘graduate’, wrapped up victory in the white jersey competition at the 2016 Tour de France by finishing fourth overall.
Phil and cycling world record holder James Golding will set out from Carmarthen on Saturday September 1, 2018 to ride 1,137km in eight days. Just 24 hours later, the Tour of Britain peloton will do the same.
This year’s eight-stage edition is widely considered the toughest yet. Phil and James will scale a combined 14,500 metres of vertical ascent before they arrive in London on Sunday September 9, 2018.
With support from Eisberg Wines, Fenwicks, Canyon Bikes, Kalas, Lamb&Watt, Secret Training and Velochampion, the pair will start with the best possible chance of success.
Cherie Pridham, manager and owner of Vitus Pro Cycling Team, will decide strategy from the support car. Fans will be able to follow their progress with a mobile app, courtesy of Solace Global.
With Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) recording a sixth British victory at the Tour de France in seven years, it’s easy to assume that our young talents will follow the same path, but without funding, their road could be blocked.
“Supporting the Dave Rayner Fund means supporting the next generation of Britain’s world-beating cyclists,” Phil said. “For just £5 - the price of a cup of coffee and a slice of cake – cycling fans can help me to raise the money they need to pursue their dreams.”
Donate now by visiting justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tob1da
For updates, follow us on social media @roadphil @daveraynerfund #TOB1DA