This year's 1,000 km organised to raise cash for charity Stand Up to Cancer raised a record amount of 7,362,000 euros the organisers announced on the final day of the cycling event during which participants covered 1,000 km over four days. The proceeds go to cancer research.
Cyclists raise record 7,362,000 euros during 1,000 km Stand Up to Cancer ride
Colin Clapson
Published:
For thousands of cyclists the extended Ascension weekend means a date with the 1,000 kilometres Stand Up to Cancer ride. For the 14th time, over 4 days, a large peloton departed from Mechelen to raise money for cancer research.
On the first day, Thursday, the peloton was immediately plunged into mourning by the death of much-admired road captain Ludo Dierckxsens. The 60-year-old former professional cyclist became unwell while on his bike, fell and died on the spot, despite resuscitation attempts by the emergency services.
Larger proceeds than last year
This year, cyclists, divided into 1,329 teams of up to eight riders, raised 7,362,000 euros. Last year's figure was 6,925,500 euros.
The proceeds go to cancer research that ‘has a direct impact on the quality of life and survival chances of people with cancer’, the organisation explained.