Could you tackle the Tour de France?

Saturday 20 April 2019

Islanders who think they could tackle the Tour de France without getting two-tired are being given the chance to compete for the coveted yellow jersey... virtually.

The race is on for corporate teams to sign up for Prosperity Day’s virtual ‘Tour de France’, which will be celebrating its fifth year in town on Friday 14 June.

The big pedal-off, organised by Tech firm Prosperity 24/7, will once again see cyclists going ‘head to head to head’ and ‘venting their fury’ in Broad Street on ‘turbo trainers’ to raise thousands of pounds for two local charities.

This year’s event is supporting Jersey Cancer Relief, which helps ease the financial cost for islanders living with cancer, and Beresford Street Kitchen, the social enterprise providing training and employment for people with learning disabilities and autism. All the money raised during the day will be split equally between the two.

The three fastest teams that race their way through their leg of the Tour will then battle it out in a virtual velodrome final. But success will not be down to cycling prowess alone - fundraising is also key to the final stats.

Video: Last year's event saw Fitness First take the top spot.

Marisa Hamon, Head of HR at Prosperity 24/7, said: “We’re delighted to be staging the fifth Prosperity Day in June and supporting these two fantastic charities. We are always overwhelmed by the commitment and time that the teams give to Prosperity Day to make it such a success.

"The event has raised more than £70,000 for a variety of good causes across the Channel Islands and we’d love to see 18 teams signing up this year to help us smash the £100,000 mark.”  

Spaces are already starting to fill up but teams can secure their saddles for the big race by registering online.

Pictured: This year, participants will raise funds for Jersey Cancer Relief and Beresford Street Kitchen.

Anne Pryke, Chair of Jersey Cancer Relief, said: “JCR is not part of any other local charity.  We rely on donations and our own fundraising efforts and every penny raised stays in the island to assist cancer sufferers on a weekly basis with their doctor’s bills, heating bills, medical supplies, equipment and travel to mainland hospitals.  

“Each new patient referred to us is visited at their home by one of our volunteer visitors and can be assured of privacy and a personal service in accordance with the sensitive nature of the charity’s work. The exposure from being a part of Prosperity Day is huge for Jersey Cancer Relief to raise awareness of what we do, and we will hopefully reach more people for us to help.

"If you know anyone suffering from cancer, please let them know about JCR early on in their cancer journey so that we can assist if needed. "

Georgie Dodd, Beresford Street Kitchen’s Fundraising Manager said: "At BSK we provide training and employment for people with learning disabilities and autism. We receive no government funding so rely purely on donations and events such as Prosperity Day to enable us to keep providing the level of training we offer at present.

“With 45 crew members and another 20 on the waiting list, we need to raise at least £250,000 a year through funding. The money received from Prosperity Day could be life changing for some of our crew and we are truly grateful for every penny we receive.”

Pictured: Beresford Street Kitchen will host a mini version of the event on 17 May.

New on the programme this year is a Prosperity Community Day, a mini version of the main event for schools, youth clubs and other organisations.

Taking place on 17 May, it will see 12 teams of up to six cyclists each, pedalling as much of the Tour de France course as they can in 45 minutes on a bike set up in the window of Beresford Street Kitchen.