Sportive held in cyclist’s memory
May 24, 2010
© WSPA
The Anthony Maynard Sportive will be held in memory of 25 year old Anthony Maynard, who died tragically in July 2008, when struck by a vehicle whilst cycling in an evening club ride. His family and friends want the popular cyclist’s memory and love of animals to live on, with proceeds going to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and two other worthy charities.
How to enter
Entries are now being accepted for this challenging ride through the Berkshire Downs on Sunday July 18th 2009. There is only a £21 entry fee and further details and online entry can be found at www.anthonymaynardsportive.org
Adrian Lawson, Chairman at Reading CC comments: “To celebrate Anthony’s love of cycling, the sportive is held in his honour. Anthony was an extremely popular member of Reading CC and is sorely missed by his friends at the cycling club.”
The event Director, John Hollands, says: “We want the 2010 Anthony Maynard Sportive to be even better. It will continue to be a great tribute to Anthony and his love of cycling. We will have the same challenging courses as last year, 110km and 195km of fast- rolling Berkshire & Wiltshire Downs riding at its best. For 2010, we have enhanced the facilities at the Theale Green HQ to include improved parking and more space for riders to use pre and post event.”
About the Sportive
The sportive route will take in the climbs and descents of the Berkshire Downs that Anthony enjoyed on club runs with Reading CC.
Starting from Theale, looping westward taking in the Valley of the Racehorse and the Vale of the White Horse, riders will have the option of 105km or 190km routes. The shorter course will include 1700 metres of ascent while the 20 climbs of the 190km route will provide a testing 2900 metres of ascent.
The whole family is getting behind the cause, with Anthony’s sister Theresa designing a special jersey to raise money.
“When we first thought about how to commemorate Anthony with a jersey there were some understandable reservations about taking to the road in a jersey that potentially would stir painful memories for us all”, said Reading CC’s Clothing Secretary Steve Bale.
He continued, “With Theresa's excellent and sensitive design what we have is an evocative piece that works as a true celebration of Anthony and his cycling. I will be wearing mine on those happy summer club runs which are where I have the sharpest and fondest memories of Anthony.”
Building on 2009 success
In addition to being very well received by the riders, the 2009 Anthony Maynard Sportive raised over £6000 to support the event charities.
Mr Hollands continues: “Given the fantastic feedback from the 2009 event, we’re expecting a sell-out this year, and with rider numbers limited to 500, you will need to enter now to guarantee your place.”
WSPA Community Fundraising Manager, Jane Rockliffe adds: ‘It is wonderful that Anthony’s friends and family have organised this event in his memory. The number of people already taking part is a sign of how well loved he was in his community. At the World Society for the Protection of Animals we are grateful that people are coming together to support Anthony’s favourite causes, but there are still spaces left so please sign up and get on your bike.’
Anthony's love of animals
Anthony had always owned dogs and had been a didcated supporter of WSPA. Dogs are one of the species that WSPA works to protect from cruel treatment around the world. Out of the estimated 500 million dogs in the world, approximately 75% are allowed to stray or have no owners. A lack of care leaves strays suffering from hunger and disease, as a result these animals are often seen as a nuisance or health hazard by the people who live alongside them.
WSPA works with local animal welfare groups, concentrating in regions where few, if any, measures exist to protect animals. In Costa Rica for example, it costs just £25 an hour to run the mobile veterinary clinic and education project that WSPA has helped set up for local people and their pets.
Read more about WSPA's work with stray dogs >>
Find out more about the Anthony Maynard Sportive and register online >>