Cycle teams in tandem with aim to raise breast cancer charity cash

On May 6 and 7, local businesses will go head-to-head as they cover a 550km virtual route on a specialist Wattbike, racing across Scotland to raise money for Breast Cancer Now.

Tour de Scotland is a fun team event that brings together staff across an organisation to take part in 15-minute static cycling sessions across two days, covering 32 slots each day.

A bespoke website with a live leader board will chart progress where participants can compare their times in a bid to be crowned the winning team, fastest female or fastest male. There is also a prize for the organisation that raises the most money for the charity.

A specialist Wattbike is provided to all organisations taking part and ­businesses must pledge to raise £2,000 for Breast Cancer Now.

All money raised through Tour de Scotland will go to Breast Cancer Now. Tour De Scotland 2020 will help the charity to fund world-class research, provide even more life-changing ­support and campaign even more ­effectively for better services and care.

Kirsty Potter, community fundraising manager for Breast Cancer Now said: “We’re looking for businesses and organisations in Lothian to sign up for Tour de Scotland 2020, our fun indoor-cycling challenge.

“We will provide all equipment and cheer you on as you compete with other businesses in a bid to become our Tour de Scotland Champion 2020. Over the last six years Tour de Scotland has raised around £60,000 for Breast Cancer Now, which has helped fund innovative breast cancer research and life-changing services to make sure anyone diagnosed with breast cancer is supported to live well.

“Despite decades of progress in research and care, around 1700 people in Lothian are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and around 140 ­people in the area still lose their life to the disease.

“By taking part in the challenge local businesses will be helping Breast ­Cancer Now to continue to fund world-class research and life-changing care, for anyone affected by breast cancer. Your generous support will help take us closer to our ambition that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live and be supported to live well.”

Network Rail has been participating in the Tour de Scotland, for the last three years raising more than £7,700 for Breast Cancer Now.

Development manager Campbell Watson said: “Everyone knows ­someone affected by breast cancer so it’s crucial that we continue to support Breast Cancer Now’s research and ­support services.”

For more information or to register for Tour de Scotland 2020 visit www.tourdescotland.com