Close to 100 cyclists donned their padded shorts to take part in the inaugural Spearing Waite Charity Sportive around the Leicestershire and Rutland countryside.
The event was in aid of LOROS, which provides compassionate care and support to terminally ill adult patients and their families in Leicestershire and Rutland. It was organised by Leicester law firm Spearing Waite.
The more ambitious cyclists peddled around a hilly 75-mile circuit and those wishing to go at a more sedate pace opted for a 25-mile route. The grand depart was led by Lady Gretton, who rode a tandem over the start line with Peter Leverett, MD of event sponsor SPACE.
Spearing Waite senior partner Tom Bower, who took part, said: “We had a brilliant day and the event was great on all fronts. It was superbly supported by our clients and contacts and was really sociable – plus we raised lots of cash for a fantastic charity. We are going to have to run the event again next year. It appears there are lots of cyclists who’d rather be riding their bike and networking than sat in their offices!
“I need to thank everyone who entered and supported us, plus also an especially big thank you to our sponsors SPACE, RSM UK, Mattioli Woods and Glenway Products and the teams from Next and James Sellicks for their exceptional fundraising.”
John Knight, the Chief Executive of LOROS Hospice, said: “The event’s success was based upon a number of factors – excellent organisation, a great starting venue at Café Ventoux, really beautiful cycling routes, well-positioned feed stations and wonderfully warm weather. It was a pleasure to be involved and LOROS is grateful to everyone at Spearing Waite who made the day such a success.”
Peter Leverett, Managing Director at Leicester based retail and leisure property consultants SPACE, said: “SPACE was delighted to be involved in the LOROS cycling sportive organised by Spearing Waite. The East Midlands has a very strong business community and it was great to see so many of our friends, clients and industry colleagues taking part in this very worthwhile fundraiser for a fabulous charity.”
