April 2010 Now that spring has finally arrived, local people are being encouraged to get out on their bikes and explore the county's countryside in advance of the 29th Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride, organised by Nottinghamshire County Council. Not only is cycling a great form of exercise, it's also an ideal method of transport and a great way to get out and enjoy the warmer days and lighter nights that we’re starting to see. Nottinghamshire County Council is running a series of free organised cycle rides across the County, called Rural Rides. The rides follow quiet lanes and off-road routes at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops along the way to admire the view and take in points of interest. There is a variety of routes, with short and medium length rides, designed for the casual cyclist and longer routes, suited to the fitter, more experienced cyclist. Some of the upcoming routes in May include: East of the City and East Nottinghamshire
• Dove Cottage, Saturday 8 May
A long ride into the Vale of Belvoir, via canal towpath, Cotgrave Country Park to Langar, then a lunch stop at Dove Cottage cafe (or picnic). Returning through Harby and Colston Bassett. • An easy ride, Friday 14 May
An easy ride, but with a steep hill, around the dumble villages of Lambley, Lowdham and Burton Joyce. • Fuel on the hill, Newark, Friday 14 May
What better way to spend a Friday evening than on an easy paced ride to a ‘refuelling’ stop at a country pub.
North of the City and North Nottinghamshire
• Muddy to Sherwood Pines, Saturday 15 May
A mountain bike ride north of the city, starting at Mapperley Tops, on mixed terrain to Sherwood Pines at Clipstone for lunch.
• Nightjar Ride, Friday 21 May
A ride all off road and traffic free in the heart of Sherwood Forest, for all the family. Ride in and around the many tracks that criss cross the Sherwood area, to see and hear the elusive rare birds. • Mill-ing around the open fields, Sunday 23 May
A leisurely ride with an historical theme, visiting the notable village of Laxton, the only remaining ‘open field’ farming village in Europe. After a spot of lunch, there is an optional short film and village tour to see the old castle and open fields. The route then heads off to Tuxford Windmill for afternoon tea before winding your way back.
South and West Nottinghamshire
• Easy to Borrowash, Saturday 22 May
A longer ride south west of Nottingham, starting at Beeston to the little known areas of Borrowash! Following mostly quiet routes, with a lunch stop at a café.
• Ride to Wollaton, Saturday 22 May
Starting at Edwalton, this ride takes you to Wollaton Park, avoiding main roads. • Trentlock, along the canal side, Sunday 23 May
A leisurely ride along the canal side with a lunch stop planned on the way back. A ride suitable for all the family and all types of cycle. • Miles and smiles to Shardlow, Sunday 23 May
Ready to ride out a little further, but not yet ready to take to the hills? Join this leisurely paced ride from West Bridgford to Shardlow and back on mainly quiet roads, cycle tracks, canal and riverside paths. Pete Jarman, Senior Rights of Way Officer at Nottinghamshire County Council commented: "If you've already signed up to the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride, the Rural Rides series is the perfect opportunity to get some training in, and similarly, if you're yet to sign up, then the rides are an ideal way to try out cycling in a group and build up your confidence on quiet roads, whilst enjoying the scenery and burning off some calories from all of those pre-summer barbecues. "A full list of planned Rural Rides, including meeting points, can be found at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruralrides2010.pdf or a leaflet can be picked up at your local library or cycle shop. The rides run regularly throughout the year and it costs nothing to take part, all you need is yourself and your bike." Nottingham City NHS, which is partnering the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride this year, is urging people to get out and get cycling. Dr Chris Packham, Director of Public Health for NHS Nottingham City, said: "NHS Nottingham City is committed to improving health and encouraging residents to take up physical exercise – and over the bank holiday period, what better way than to take up cycling? "It doesn’t matter if you're a beginner or a more experienced rider; this is a great way to exercise – and a great way for the whole family to have fun too!" This year, the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride will feature a 5k family lap challenge, an 18 mile Community Ride, a 50 mile Challenge Ride and a Sportive route of around 75 miles. To sign up, simply log on to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/bikeride, call 08449 808080 or pick up an entry form from your local county library.
Our Clients, 30th April 2010  London 29 April 2010 – British Triathlon could soon fulfil its Olympic medal-winning potential and become one of the UK’s next great sporting success stories, thanks to a new partnership with GE, announced today. GE, one of the worldwide sponsors of the London 2012 Olympic Games, will become Partner of British Triathlon teams, providing support and expertise for the athletes as they prepare and compete at the highest levels in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games. They will also support British Triathlon Elite events, Elite Paratriathlon team, Age Group teams, home nation regional academies, and the British Triathlon Coach Development programme. As part of the partnership GE will work with British Triathlon to identify ways to support the 50-strong team of athletes – which includes Men’s World and European Champions Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, Women’s Under 23 World Champion Hollie Avil and the 2008 Women’s World Champion Helen Jenkins. In keeping with previous Games, where GE provided state-of-the-art medical imaging equipment for the early diagnosis and treatment of sporting injuries, the partnership is exploring specific ways in which GE’s healthcare technology and expertise could help to optimise and improve the performance of the team in the events leading up to and including the Olympic Games. Mark Elborne, President & CEO, GE UK commented: ”As a proud sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, we wanted to establish an association with an exciting and modern sport which we feel would benefit from our support, our technology and our expertise. We believe British Triathlon is a great fit for GE and we are confident that our support could potentially make a real impact on Team GB’s gold medal prospects in 2012. “British Triathlon is a successful organisation with a strong vision for its future development. As one of the fastest growing Olympic sports in the UK, it has strong medal potential for 2012 and could become one of the next great sporting success stories for Great Britain. The team can rely on GE’s support - as well as the cheers of 18,000 UK employees.” Zara Hyde Peters CEO of British Triathlon commented: ”It is fantastic news for the sport, which is growing rapidly in popularity and profile, that we have been able to partner with GE to support our performance pathway. At an elite level this is a sport where Britain has been a dominant force at international level. We currently have five reigning World Champions and an incredibly talented team of athletes and support staff. I am confident that the support of GE will increase our medal winning potential in 2012.” Within Performance Director, Heather Williams’ elite coaching set up, Head Coach, Joel Filliol recognises the benefits that the partnership will bring. He said: “The GE GB Triathlon team, as one of the strongest teams in the world, is always looking for advantages over the competition that will make a significant difference to our athletes. The aggregation of marginal gains can make the difference that means winning medals. GE’s healthcare technology will mean that we are better equipped to monitor and manage the health and fitness of athletes as they push themselves to the limits of performance. GE’s investment will ensure the World Class Programme that we have put in place through UK Sport Lottery funding produces the best prepared athletes in the world.” Current ITU World Champion, Alistair Brownlee added: “This sponsorship is going to mean a great deal to the whole team because it will help reduce the amount of training time missed through injuries. This could make a significant difference as we strive to be the best in London 2012.” Commenting on the announcement, Sir Clive Woodward, the British Olympic Association’s Olympic Performance Director said: “The BOA is delighted that GE have joined forces with British Triathlon and I believe this kind of support could be crucial for our athletes in the run-up to, and during, the 2012 Olympic Games. “It’s great to see partners such as GE working so closely with our Olympic sports. British Triathlon is blessed with some truly world-class athletes and I hope this support will help push them along the path towards delivering outstanding results as part of Team GB in 2012.” Our Clients, 30th April 2010 Kirby Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Corus, visited Newham today (27 April) to cast his eye over Corus’ investment in one of Britain’s fastest growing and most successful sports, triathlon. Double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes, joined him as 1,000 children from 21 schools experienced their first taste of a sport in which Britain has five current world champions and a support staff network that is the envy of the rest of the world. Corus is embarking on the fourth year of a corporate partnership with British Triathlon that is committed through to 2013. Newham marks the start of the 2010 Corus Kids of Steel series, which will visit 15 venues in total and reach more people than it ever has in previous years. The children took part in a mini-triathlon at Newham Leisure Centre, involving swimming, cycling and running. Other Corus Kids of Steel venues also have a special connection with the steel company, with key venues including Scunthorpe, Teesside, Corby and South Wales. Kirby Adams, who has been Corus CEO since April 2009, said: “Corus has a major emphasis on community involvement. It’s a strength we have as a company and it’s central to our ethos. At many of the Corus Kids of Steel venues we are a major employer and we are committed to the local community. We actively encourage our staff to volunteer at Kids of Steel events to give something back. “Our corporate partnership with British Triathlon is focused on ensuring that the grass roots of the sport are being nurtured, and that children have the opportunity to experience an Olympic sport in their own community. We hope they will be inspired to emulate the successes of athletes such as ITU Triathlon World Champion Alistair Brownlee, but if they don’t, they will know what triathlon is and they will remember Kids of Steel as a highlight. Dame Kelly Holmes commented at the event, “It is fantastic to be here at Kids of Steel today and see hundreds of youngsters getting the chance to experience triathlon. The sport has some very talented young stars coming through at the moment and we need more events like this to help inspire the next generation.” British Triathlon CEO Zara Hyde Peters said: "Corus Kids of Steel is a hugely popular and successful programme and we are delighted to see the series extend to 15 events this year, ensuring that around 12,000 children are exposed to the sport at community level as well as their parents, schoolteachers and a whole army of potential new sport participants."
Kay Shagourie was here today watching her son, Zakeus-Blue, from St. Helen’s Primary School in Plaistow, take part, she said, “He took part in Kids of Steel for the first time last year and absolutely loved it. Since then he hasn’t stopped taking part in events and has joined the Newham & Essex Beagles triathlon club.”
Eight year old Katie Britto, also from St. Helen’s was taking part in her first triathlon today, after crossing the finishing line, she said, “I really enjoyed it, especially the running bit and getting my medal. I would like to do more things like this.”
Our Clients, 27th April 2010 This month (April 10) Loughborough University hosted the UK’s first ever Les Mills mass participation fitness class, with the arrival of the ‘Unleashed’ event.
Unleashed saw over 250 enthusiasts and new comers come together to take part in a full day of Les Mills classes including global favourites BODYPUMP and BODYATTACK, as well as BODYJAM, BODYSTEP and BODYCOMBAT.
Unleashed took place in one of the uni’s indoor tennis centre, enabling everyone to take part in the same class at the same time, which was quite a spectacle! The day was hosted by FitPro’s top international presenting team, with the expertise and showmanship of the world’s top fitness instructors. If fitness is your religion, these guys are its gods!
This is how they do things in New Zealand, where Les Mills originates from. Down there the gyms have super-studios that can facilitate hundreds of people taking a class at any one time. The feeling of moving together in unison to the same music with that volume of people is pretty intense, and if you ask the fanatics, they might say, magical!
Les Mills Fan, Martin While from the Midlands said, “Unleashed was by far more than I ever expected. To be amid so many like-minded, fit, friendly people all doing something that we all adore was awesome. The added bonus of having sessions led by such fantastic presenters who totally nailed it meant the whole experience was exceptional.
"Les Mills Unleashed delivered, then delivered some more. Great workout, cool vibe, awesome trainers. We all TURNED IT UP!"
Laura McStay, Training and Education Manager from FitPro said, “We were thrilled to bring the Unleashed event to the UK. The day attracted a blend of ardent Les Mills fans with total beginners, just starting to understand the power of group fitness. The atmosphere was electric and whether you were already a believer or not, this was a chance to be part of something big - club-vibe fitness on an unbelievable scale.”
The Unleashed event was part of the annual FitPro Spring Convention, which attracted a record breaking 3,000 delegates from across the world for 4 days of education, practical training sessions, exhibitions and conferences. Guest speakers included the fitness industry’s biggest names, including Paul Chek, Maureen Hagan and Charles Poliquin. There was also a surprise appearance from Heavyweight Boxing World Champion, David Haye, who came to take part Outbox™, his boxing education programme for fitness professionals.
Our Clients, 20th April 2010 Liverpool’s Sefton Park turned pink once again as over 500 women got on their bikes for Breast Cancer Campaign today (18 April). This is the second Pedal it Pink event to come to Liverpool, with both events expected to raise over £90,000 to help fund vital research into breast cancer. Pedal it Pink was attended by former Hollyoaks stars Sarah Jayne Dunn and Helen Noble. After starting the rides Sarah Jayne commented, “It’s been a fantastic turnout. Both Helen and I live in Liverpool so it’s great to see so much support from local people in the city. Lots of people are affected by breast cancer so it’s vital to keep funding the research and hopefully one day find a cure.” Helen Noble added, “It’s been a brilliant day! Sefton Park is a great location and people in Liverpool are always up for a charity event to support a good cause. Sarah and I will definitely take part next year on a tandem bike, all dressed in pink!” Pedal it Pink attracted women and families from all over the county including local cyclist Debbie Clarke from Woolton who took part in the marathon distance with her sister Anne Croft from Bowring Park. The pair took on the cycling challenge after Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks after they cycled in last year’s Pedal it Pink event. Debbie, who completed the marathon in 2hours 15minutes, raising £300, said “I’m really pleased I was able to complete it and had a great time. I will definitely be back next year.”
Over 5,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the North West each year, 320 of which are in Liverpool. Catriona Wright, Events Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign, said: “Everyone’s been really enthusiastic and it was great to see so many people pedalling in pink while raising funds for vital breast cancer research. It was wonderful to return to Liverpool, where we staged our first Pedal it Pink, and receive so much support again. We hope to come back to Merseyside in the not too distant future to make the event even bigger and pinker!” Pedal it Pink, sponsored by Santander, is now a nationwide series with more events taking place in Nottingham and Edinburgh this year. Each event has three ride routes for you to choose between: a full marathon (26.2miles), half marathon (13.1miles) or family 5k lap, which partners and children can join in. All routes are completely enclosed within a park, so it’s always safe, traffic-free and suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. So far 1,800 women across the UK have pedalled it pink to raise more than £155,000 for breast cancer research at three events in Liverpool, Nottingham and Essex. For more information about upcoming Pedal it Pink events visit www.breastcancercampaign.org, email pedalitpink@breastcancercampaign.org or call 020 7749 3700. It costs £15 for the marathon, £10 for the half marathon and £5 for the family 5k lap. Our Clients, 19th April 2010 Former Hollyoaks stars Sarah Jayne Dunn (Mandy Richardson) and Helen Noble (Abby Davies) have signed up to take part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s Pedal it Pink event on 18 April. The girls will be pedalling round Sefton Park with hundreds of other women to help put the brakes on breast cancer. Liverpool resident, Sarah Jayne Dunn, who is currently on tour with the West End hit, When Harry Met Sally, said: “I’m thrilled to be taking part in Pedal it Pink with my best friend Helen Noble in our hometown of Liverpool. The first event in April 2009 attracted over 750 women and raised a staggering £60,000 for vital breast cancer research. We want to see as many women as possible out there cycling with us this year and turn the park completely pink!” Pedal it Pink, sponsored by Santander, has a variety of cycle routes to choose from so there is something to suit all abilities. Beginners can opt for the family 5K lap (which is also open to the men and children in your life) and those wishing to push themselves that little bit further can select either a half (13.1miles) or full (26.2miles) marathon distance. All routes are completely enclosed in the park, so it’s safe, traffic-free and suitable for all existing and aspiring cyclists. If you would like to join Sarah and Helen at Pedal it Pink and help put the brakes on breast cancer, please visit www.breastcancercampaign.org, email pedalitpink@breastcancercampaign.org or call 020 7749 3700 to sign up. It costs £15 for the marathon, £10 for the half marathon and £5 for the family 5k lap. Online entries will be accepted until Sunday 11 April. If you miss this date but still want to take part you can register on the day in the park – please come ready to cycle. Cycling is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, which helps to burn fat and if done regularly contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Cycling is also great for toning leg muscles and can burn up to 500 calories an hour.
Our Clients, 7th April 2010 The Helly Hansen Adventure Challenge Series, voted no. 1 adventure race by the Daily Telegraph last year, is seeking a new title sponsor for the 2010/11 season and beyond. The series, which is organised by TrailPlus, first took place in 2004 and it has grown to establish itself in the adventure, outdoors, cycling and running communities as a market leader. With five UK-wide challenge events taking place, from autumn through to the spring each year, the title sponsorship offers a focussed and wide reaching foundation in this sporting sector. The 2009/10 series attracted over 4,500 entries, with a record participant turnout in the final event of 1,000. There is a wide range of abilities in the field with first timers standing side by side with some of the UK’s top adventure racing teams. Your typical Adventure Challenge entrant is male (75%), with an avid interest in sport and exercise, but not usually to the extreme. They are a fan of the great outdoors and enjoy being pushed to try something a little different – a ‘weekend warrior’!
Each event in the series comprises three core sporting disciplines: off-road running, mountain biking and kayak canoeing, as well as some special extra challenges along the journey, including the famed ‘Slippery Wall’, that concludes each adventure experience.
It is a team event, in mixed or gender specific groups of three, which makes it great for corporates as well as groups of friends. The team element also makes the atmosphere friendlier and less competitive than some individual entry adventure races, as it combines social experience with a shared, personal and group achievement.
The 2010/11 title sponsorship will commence in October for a minimum of two years. An established roster of stunning event venues in picturesque locations in Surrey/Hampshire, the Midlands and the Lake District provide significant geographical coverage.
The title sponsor will have full naming rights to the series and each event within it, branding opportunities in all marketing activity and at the events, access to an integrated e-marketing and PR campaign amongst numerous other benefits. For the forthcoming series organisers TrailPlus are planning the production of a high-quality promotional DVD, similar in impact to that showcased at www.hellrunner.co.uk For more information please contact event organisers TrailPlus at paul@trailplus or 01457 855425 See www.trailplus.com/helly_hansen Our Clients, 6th April 2010 | 