Six Cardiff Rugby stars have signed up to cycle from the Arms Park to Paris in aid of the club’s Community Foundation and the #StayStrongForOws campaign.
Will Davies-King, Teddy Williams, James Ratti, Luke Scully, Max Llewellyn and Mason Grady have all committed to the charity ride, which takes place in June.
The sextet will swap their rugby boots for cleats and Blue and Black jerseys for bib-shorts as they tackle the 500km plus ride to the iconic Eiffel Tower over four days.
The event, which you can still sign up for, follows two previous rides to Paris (2015) and Amsterdam (2016) and will raise crucial funds for the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation, which uses the power of sport to inspire, engage and improve opportunities for all and encompass the club’s benevolent fund.
Grady said: “When we heard the club was staging another bike ride to Paris, a few of us jumped at the opportunity to get involved.
“It’s obviously for a great cause in terms of the Community Foundation and particularly Owen Williams and the #StayStrongForOws campaign. My brother was obviously a teammate and friend of Ows and they are still close, so it is something I have quite strong links to.
CAMPAIGN VIDEO
“The attitude and progress Ows has made is inspirational and everyday the Community Foundation has an impact of people’s lives throughout the club’s region so it is something I really wanted to support.
“It is a pretty daunting challenge and although as rugby players we are pretty fit, this is completely different and we have a lot of weight to shift up some of the hills, but is also a challenge we are looking forward to.
“I know some of the boys who have done it previously and while they have said it is pretty testing at times, it is also a lot of fun and a great experience. It will also raise crucial funds for the foundation and #StayStrongForOws.
DONATE NOW
Departing from Cardiff on June 20, covering 517 kilometres, including 4,512 metres of climbing, the cyclists will arrive at the Eiffel Tower on June 24.
The likes of Cardiff Rugby CEO Richard Holland, COO Rhys Blumberg, and assistant coach Duane Goodfield are all also taking part and Max Llewellyn is acutely aware of what lies ahead.
He added: “I know a few of the staff members have started a little bit of training and I’m sure the supporters and sponsors taking part will be well prepared, but for us as players it’s a little bit of a step into the unknown.
“We’re well aware of the distance and difficulty of the ride and while we are rugby fit, during the season we haven’t got the opportunity to train for a bike ride so I have no doubt there will be some dark moments.
“We have all sorted bikes in recent weeks and have done a little bit but nothing like what will face us in June - it’s going to be a case of buying good cycling shorts, chamois cream and a lot of dig in!
“That said, it’s something we’re all really looking forward to and it is for a great cause. We see all the work the foundation does in the community and it’s fantastic so it’s great to help towards that.”
To find out more about the bike ride click here or to donate click here