CROSS 2015 Rugby Legends Cycle for Cancer Research at Trinity Launched
Posted on: 09 March 2015
The fourth year of the Rugby Legends Cycle for the C.R.O.S.S. charity which supports cancer research at Trinity College Dublin and St James’s Hospital was recently launched by Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast. The Cycle called Atlantic 1000 will be staged from September 5th to 11th 2015 in the week leading up to Cancer Week Ireland.
The cycle takes a twist in 2015 as the route embraces 1,000 km of beautiful scenery on the Wild Atlantic Way from Skibbereen to Donegal. Over seven stages, it stops off along the way to visit schools and attend events to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Ireland's most famous rugby family, Paul, Richard, and David Wallace, along with many Irish and international rugby legends, will again get on their bikes to cycle in aid of C.R.O.S.S., a charity headed by Professor John Reynolds, Professor of Surgery at the School of Medicine, Trinity that supports cancer education and research.
The Wallace brothers have made the Guinness Book of Records as the only three members of one family to play for the British & Irish Lions – a unique achievement in international sport. Aware of cancer being a leading cause of death worldwide, the brothers decided to put energy into helping find solutions for tackling the disease through their support for education and research.
At the launch Paul Wallace, C.R.O.S.S. Patron, said, “The CROSS Atlantic 1000, supporting cancer research in Trinity, is a great opportunity for people to get on their bikes for a great cause. Over the last three years we have raised over €225,000 for Professor Reynolds and his team of researchers, helping to find new ways to treat and prevent cancer. People have plenty of time to train for a stage or two, or indeed, the whole 1,000 kilometre route, and enjoy the bonhomie of being part of a team that makes a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.”
Also at the launch were former International rugby players Mick Galwey, Kevin Barry of Lifes2good, Matt Cooper, TV3’s anchor for the Rugby World Cup and Jack O’Riordan, an event participant who has experienced cancer.
The fundraising target for this year’s cycle is €150,000 with all proceeds going towards cancer research at Trinity College Dublin. Over 200 cyclists are expected to participate in the Rugby Legends Cycle this year. Cyclists can join the Atlantic 1000 team for any of the one-day stages or cycle the full tour and enjoy this amazing trip of a lifetime along the beautiful west coast of Ireland. Entry fee for the CROSS Atlantic 1000 is €290 per stage, or €1,500 for the full tour, which includes accommodation, meals, return transfers, an amazing cycling kit and fantastic fun! For more information about the event, or to register for a stage please go to www.crossrugbylegends.com.