Andy pictured last year at the end of his 5th hike in one day of the Highland Bowl in Aspen, Colorado

Andy Bathe to take part in The Dallaglio Flintoff Cycle Slam

This spring Rossdales partner Andy Bathe is taking part in the final stage of The Dallaglio Flintoff Cycle Slam, an epic charity cycle ride organised by Lawrence Dallaglio and Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, in conjunction with principal partner Virgin Media. The route will start at the ancient birthplace of the Olympic Games in Greece on 23rd April and, after 5 stages, it will conclude in the Olympic Park in London on 18th May.

Andy, together with David Ashby of Amlin Plus horse insurance specialists, will join the Stage 5 riders to cycle 578km over 4 days. This stage starts in Nancy in the challenging territory of the Champagne region of France. Known as ‘The Hell of the North’, this is a 153km journey over cobbled farm tracks and streets from St Quentin to Roubaix, a bone-shaking route covered by many iconic bike races over the years. Thereafter, it’s a transfer by Eurotunnel to England and a mere 100km before the line is crossed at The 2012 Olympic Stadium.

None of this should trouble our intrepid lycra-clad athlete, who is already widely renowned for his daredevil exploits off piste (see picture). Andy confirms that the arduous training regime he will undertake to prepare for this huge challenge (coupled with the ‘aerodynamic’ leg waxing and the saddle sores he will no doubt endure with his usual good humour) will be worthwhile to help him achieve his goal of completing the last stage of the ‘Cycle Slam’, which is supporting three excellent causes.

The donations will help to support causes through the Dallaglio Foundation, for prostate cancer research, the AF Foundation, for the refurbishment of child rehabilitation and physiotherapy units in major UK hospitals, and Virgin Unite, a not-for-profit organisation that helps young people in the UK to increase their employability and entrepreneurism.

To set the ball rolling, Rossdales has generously donated £500 in sponsorship towards Andy’s challenge. You can help Andy to achieve his target of £3,000 by donating through his Virgin Money Giving page. All donations, no matter how large or small, will be very gratefully received.