SeaFrance charity bike event for leukaemia research.

SeaFrance staff and associates have just completed the ultimate Franco-British challenge – in mid Channel.

Working in association with UK Bike Week (16-24 June) and their charity, Leukaemia Research, a team of cyclists from SeaFrance UK was pitted against a team fielded by SeaFrance Calais, racing on two genuine Tour de France bicycles which were set up on a ‘rolling road’ onboard the SeaFrance Berlioz 13:45 Dover-Calais crossing on Monday 18 June. The teams competed against each other in front of a screen showing a stage of the Tour de France, to see who could complete the distance across the Channel – 22 miles – in the fastest time.

It was a closely fought contest, but the English team, who held the lead for much of the race, were first past the finishing post. Speaking on behalf of the English squad, which also included members of Downland Cycles of Canterbury, SeaFrance Head of Marketing, Sarah Staughton, commented:

“ The whole event has been great fun – it’s good to be involved in a charity project with our French colleagues. As Official Grand Depart Transport Partner for the Tour de France, SeaFrance has been encouraging people to get out on their bikes through a number of initiatives, including this sponsored event with UK Bike Week. We have also offered free travel for cyclists to France this week, and even after the Tour de France is all over, we’re hoping that these initiatives will have shown people how easy it is to get on your bike and take advantage of the gorgeous Kent countryside – or of course, to pop over to France and experience the great cycling routes just across the Channel.”

Jennifer Wilkes, Ashford & District Chairman of Leukaemia Research said: “ SeaFrance and their associates have made a fantastic effort to highlight the work of Leukaemia Research. We would like to express our thanks for their hard work in raising funds for us".

We hope you will help us in our aim to raise funds for Leukaemia Research by donating at http://www.justgiving.com/Seafrance .

In addition, SeaFrance’s highly successful Bike Week offer is enabling over 850 cyclists throughout this week to travel absolutely free and to go and enjoy the cycling routes in France. SeaFrance also has a dedicated microsite - www.sailandcycle.com/- which contains Tour de France news as well as many ideas on where to cycle in France and Belgium.