RCUK contributor, Andrew Thompson, has qualified for the final of the UCI World Cycling Tour.
The UCWT final was formerly known as the UCI Masters Road World Championships. It is contested by top amateur cyclists.
Andrew, who writes a column on European sportives for RCUK, is seeking sponsors to support his efforts in the UCWT final, which takes place in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in the last week of August.
“The logistics are slightly more complicated than driving to European events!” said Andrew.
He will compete in the time trial on Thursday August 23 and the road race on Sunday August 26, and will need to be in Pietermaritzburg by Monday August 20.
“I need to fly a road bike (and preferably a spare, too), a TT bike, and a spare set of wheels to South Africa. Bike boxes and other equipment will make the flights more expensive.
“We’ll land in Johannesburg, 500km from Pietermarizburg and will then need a large hire car to drive to the event. We’ll need to book a hotel for 10 nights, and buy meals. We’ll need a second person who knows what they’re doing to act as support, drive the car and be able to change wheels, and to supply spare bike quickly.
“This comes to a total of around £4,000, which is a little more expensive than competing on European soil! It is however an extremely special and may be once in a life time event,” he said.
Andrew rides about 19,000 kilometres a year, and this Sunday (July 22) will take part in the Tour du Mont Blanc, a one day, 330km race that will take the riders over the 2469 metre Col du Grand St Bernard, the 2188 metre Col du Petit St Bernard, and the 1967 metre Cormet de Roslend.
He will start the UCWT final among the top 200 qualifiers who have earned their start position from a “privileged box” from performances in events across the world.
“At this stage, we are looking for any companies or individuals who would like to become involved with our team, both for the World Championships and possibly other challenges in the months and years to come. This could be simply in the form of financial sponsorship or far more inclusive support,” said Andrew.
To support Andrew, email [email protected]
