Press Officer contact Francesca Lillystone Club Contact Neil Turner Website bluelightcc.co.uk E mail [email protected] LAUNCH OF UK’S FIRST EVER EMERGENCY SERVICES CYCLING CLUB The launch of the United Kingdom’s first ever cycling club to support emergency service workers and armed forces was held at New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London SW1A 2JL on Tuesday 4 May 2021 10.00am. Colin Nye Honorary President Bluelight CC said ‘ The club has been created to support all blue light workers, partner agencies and the armed forces to attain the physical and mental health be- nefits from cycling. The last year has placed an enormous strain on our communities and we sincerely believe this is an opportunity to help our colleagues. They will also benefit from exclusive benefits that no other cycling club can offer.’ Chief Superintendent Roy Smith Metropolitan Police said ‘The work undertaken by the emer- gency services and partners like the armed forces is unlike other vocations and sometimes see!s our colleagues subjected to repeated trauma. Having a community built around a shared interest like cycling is an excellent way to decompress in a safe space. I am delighted to be able to sup- port this initiative in a small way and wish all those involved the very best of luck”. Background In 2019 Colin Nye and two colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) originally arranged a charity cycle ride from London2Paris for June 2020 in aid of COPS (Care of Police Survivors.) Partner businesses supported this venture by providing support and discounts to the original riders. This included Endurance Zone, WKG Sports, iPro hydration and Grand Tour Coffee. This event was cancelled along with the subsequent ride in 2021 due to travel restrictions. Imposed in response to the COVID19 pandemic. But that was not the en, interest in emergency services cycling grew on Twitter and various other platforms. This led to a variety of emergency workers from different agencies meeting virtually on Zoom in March 2021 and the vision of the Bluelight Cycling Club was realised. The club, which is a not for profit community interest company, will support five charities, each on linked to the relevant emergency services. Member Benefits On May 4 this club will officially launch its website and club kit along with the benefits scheme supported by David Birch from Endurance Zone. The club has also teamed up with Wahoo Fitness, an international indoor bike trainer and ac- cessories company As a member you will have access to hundreds of exclusive discounts with some of sports biggest brands. Nike, Adidas, Muc-Off, Giant, SIS, Cyclist Magazine, Cycling Weekly, Le Col, Grand Tour Coffee, Audible, Reebok, Pelotan, Velo Skin, Bum Butter, RGT, Rouvy, Fulgaz the list goes on. We have also secured free unlimited group rides on RGT with no additional costs to our members. We will have at least 2 major events yearly – London 2 Paris, Coast 2 Coast for example with our first ride confirmed for the UK in June 2021. Members will also be put into a ballot to enter any Velo29 event free of charge plus further partner events through out the year. Most im- portantly we have a wellbeing and wellness section with tips, advice and support features. Our members area is packed full of content blogs, videos, recipes plus much more. Our club Ambassadors who will be joining us on rides throughout the year include the following: Austin Healey, Martin Johnson, Matt Stephens, Brian Smith, Phillipa York, Chris Pritchard, Andy Goode, Sam Ward, Ron Keeble, Tom Gaymor & Sharron Davies MBE. The club will evolve and is fully inclusive for all abilities. From cycling 500 yards for coffee and cake to riding all day you!ll be able to find like minded friends. This decentralised approach will allow you as members to find your best fit within a supportive and safe environment. There are huge benefits in regular cycling. It is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK with nearly 4 million people riding a bike each month. It!s an easy way to exercise. You could even use it to get to work. Money saved and exercise combined, what could be better! So whether you are a yellow jersey contender with a state of the art carbon-frame bike, or have just dusted off your old bike from the garage we encourage you all to take the chance to cycle just once a week and join the UK!s most inclusive cycling club. LAUNCH DAY The launch took place outside New Scotland Yard. Members of the armed forces and emergency services were in attendance in uniform. Allan Woodhouse (NHS Chair of the Bluelight CC) Paul Mcclenaghan Borough Commander London Fire Brigade, Havering Roy Smith Chief Supt. Met Police Major Mark Winstanley (Emergency Medicine Registrar British Army) will be in attendance in uni- form. Ben and Steve Joughin owners of Provision Custom Clothing Clothing partners to Bluelight Cycling Club Chris Pritchard club ambassador Commonwealth Sprinter and Youtube sensation Ron Keeble 1972 Munich Olympic Bronze medallist Cycling Team Pursuit, ex professional cyclist and organiser of Tour of Britain Andy Goode Ex pro rugby union player and now sports commentator ALL PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION OF BRIAN DUFFY WITH RELEVANT ACKNOWLEDGEMTS (l-r) Craig Burne (Coastguard), Neil Turner (co founder), Paul McClenaghan (LFB), Maj. Mark Winstanley (British Army), Andy Goode (former England rugby player), Dave Birch (co founder), Allan Woodhouse (London Ambulance Service), Chris Pritchard (Commonwealth Cyclist), Traffic officers either side of Ch. Supt. Roy Smith (Met Police) (l-r), Maj. Mark Winstanley (British Army), Allan Woodhouse (London Ambulance Service), Ch. Supt. Roy Smith (Met Police), Paul McClenaghan (LFB) (l-r) Craig Burne (Coastguard),, Maj. Mark Winstanley (British Army), Paul McClenaghan (LFB), Neil Turner (co founder) (l-r) Andy Goode (ex pro ruby union and current sports commentator), Ben Joughin (Provision clothing), Dave Birch (Endurance Zone owner and BLCC co founder), Chris Pritchard (Common- wealth Cyclist), Ron Keeble (1972 Olympic 4 man pursuit bronze medallist), Steve Joughin (Provision Clothing) (l-r) Paul McClenaghan (LFB Havering Borough commander), Andy Goode (l-r) Maj. Mark Winstanley (British Army), Craig Burne (Coastguard), Neil Turner (co founder),, Allan Woodhouse (London Ambulance Service), Ch. Supt. Roy Smith (Met Police), Paul McClenaghan (LFB) Allan Woodhouse (NHS Chair of the Bluelight CC) ‘Sport is a great way to escape from the everyday stresses of life and cycling is my way of doing just that. When the opportunity to be involved with the Bluelight Cycling Club presented itself, I welcomed the chance to represent NHS members. Well-being is a key focus of the committee and I hope the club has a positive impact on the overall mental and physical health of members.’ Paul Mcclenaghan Borough Commander LFB Havering 'I am supporting The Blue Light Cycling club because after the last few years we have had as respon- ders and always there helping people it!s a chance for my blue light light responders and military col- leagues and I to unwind. It will help with mental stresses that we all face and even give a chance to loose a bit of weight!! You don!t have to be a professional cyclist, it is for all levels and that!s what I love about it, and the opportunities the BLCC is going to give its members will bet excellent.’ Roy Smith Chief Supt. Met Police "The formation of the Blue Light Cycling club is a fantastic opportunity for emergency workers to come together in a safe space and enjoy the benefits of exercise which we know contributes to both physical and mental wellbeing.” Tom Gaymor (Eurosport commentator and club ambassador) ‘Over the last year the nation has once again turned to our wonderful blue light heroes to keep us safe. As an ordinary member of public I am forever in awe of the courageous and selfless work delivered by the emergency services, tales of heroism up and down the country, day in and day out. I am supporting the Bluelight Cycling Club as I wholeheartedly believe using sport as a vehicle, the club can create a much needed space for wellbeing and peer support, as well as access to opportunity and initiatives” David Birch Endurance Zone founder Chris Pritchard. Chris is a 2010 & 2014 Commonwealth Games sprinter. Chris raced track for 4 years where he represented Scotland at 2 games. He won national medals and raced all over the world. Chris is now a YouTube sensation presenting his own cycling news show, and is well known in the Zwift community for his expert advice and tips. "To be an ambassador of the BLCC and to show my support for the real life super heroes of our emergency services and the NHS in this way still won!t convey the level of respect and admiration I have for these selfless individuals who put other peoples lives before their own. Having a close friend in the fire service gives me a real insight in to what these mean and women go through to keep us safe, protected and alive” Neil Turner retired Flying Squad Detective Sergeant, co founder Bluelight Cycling Club will be in attendance “The enthusiasm of the co founders, the original committee and our business partners has led to something truly amazing being created. This will actively support wellbeing and improve the qual- ity of life for those who protect the quality of life for the public” Major Mark Winstanley (Emergency Medicine Registrar British Army) “This club provides a great opportunity to meet like minded people in a supportive and under- standing cohort.