Pirates Welcome ‘The Great Tour’ Cyclists

Pirates Welcome ‘The Great Tour’ Cyclists

The Great Tour, a 6,900km bicycle journey circumnavigating around the coastline of Great Britain in 64 consecutive days, arrived in Cornwall on Friday. It started in Ryde on the Isle of Wight on the 4th July and will end there this coming Saturday 5th September. Considered as Britain’s ultimate fundraising cycling challenge, monies are being raised in support of Diabetes UK and Ambitious about Autism.

The route undertaken on Friday was from Porlock to St. Ives, and on Saturday from St. Ives to Penzance, via Land’s End. During their visit to West Cornwall, cyclists and back up personnel were warmly welcomed by the Pirates rugby club, as until their departure early on Sunday morning for Falmouth they were based at the Mennaye Field.

Riders pictured at Land’s End

Two leading riders are Robin Young and Hugh Roberts, Robin having experienced cycling the whole route thus far, whilst others have accompanied them at various sections along the way. Representative Andy Aldridge, an uncle to former Liverpool FC and Republic of Ireland star John Aldridge, has expressed sincere appreciation to the Pirates for their support. He commented:

Despite the elements being somewhat testing at times, the event has been a truly great experience. We were delighted that some members of Cornwall’s St. Piran Professional Cycling Team joined us on Friday, and that the weather also improved during the weekend to show Cornwall at its best.

We all greatly appreciated that the fantastic warm reception given us by the Pirates and the town of Penzance, the brief visit providing an excellent scene-setter for the re-scheduled Tour of Britain that is now planned for next September.

Andy Aldridge (right) is pictured at the Mennaye Field with colleague

Two rugby personnel participating in the tour have included Cornish Pirates’ match day doctor Tim Baker and Professor Simon Kemp whose various commitments include being the Medical Services Director at the Rugby Football Union.

Tim & Simon, ready to depart Penzance for Falmouth – Photo: Phil Westren

For further information reference The Great Tour, please visit:

https://www.thegreattour.co.uk/