Big hearts at inaugural Bike Day

Cyclists braved the rain and headwind at Bath’s Odd Down Circuit for a fundraising festival of cycling, supported by national law firm Stone King. Cyclists sped round the track for time trials in the morning and circuit races in the afternoon, whilst younger riders had the chance to do laps around the 1.5km track during a family fun session. An exciting knock-out race ‘Devil take the Hindmost’ concluded the day’s races.

The inaugural Big Hearted Bike Day was the brainchild of businessman Gerald Creed, and created to raise money for the Bristol Heart Institute, which cares for patients from Bath, Bristol and surrounding counties who need open heart surgery.

Gerald said: “You never know the first time you hold an event how it’s going to go but I’m so grateful to everyone who raced and who came along to watch and support the cyclists and this important cause. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support we’ve had from our sponsors including Bugler Coaches, Stone King and Avid Sport, among many others, so that all funds raised can go towards the cause. We have raised almost £2,000.”

There were many winners and prizes on the day, including two cups. Peter Woodhouse, Partner and Head of Business Sector and Employment Team at Stone King, presented Elizabeth Pressage - the winner of the Women’s Circuit Race - with the Stone King Cup. Eliot Ward, who beat 11 other cyclists in the knock-out ‘Devil take the hindmost’ race, received the Bugler Coaches Challenge Cup, presented by Professor Raimondo Ascione, one of Bristol’s top heart surgeons, who thanked everyone for their support of the Bristol Heart Institute.

Big Hearted Bike Day was launched following the success of the Big Hearted Valentine’s Ball in February 2019. Proceeds for the Big Hearted Bike Day will go towards medical equipment for the Intensive Care Unit at the Bristol Heart Institute.

Full information and results from the day, are available at: www.bigheartedbikeday.co.uk