Dallaglio Flintoff. 2012 cycle slam

Q1: In a nutshell, what’s The Dallaglio Flintoff Cycle Slam all about?

Q2: How long is the journey, how long will it take and when does the event take place?

Q3: Which stages are hardest, and which the easiest?

Q4: How will the journey be divided up?

Q5: Will Lawrence and Freddie be riding the entire distance?

Q6: Are any other well-known people going to take part in the ride?

Q7: What charities or project will benefit from the event?

Q8: Have either – or both – Lawrence or Freddie attempted anything like this before?

Q9: Who is organising the Cycle Slam?

Q1: In a nutshell, what’s The Dallaglio Flintoff Cycle Slam all about?

A: Lawrence Dallaglio and Freddie Flintoff wish to harness their status as two of England’s most iconic sportsmen to raise a large sum of money for charitable causes in the same year that sport’s most iconic event takes place in London.

To do so, they will cycle from Olympia in Greece – the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games – to London, the venue for the latest edition of the modern Olympic Games.

The target is £2.012 million. It will be raised via corporate sponsorship, fundraising events, private donations, entry fees and sponsorship funds raised by anyone who rides in the event.

Q2: How long is the journey, how long will it take and when does the event take place?

A: 2,872km (1,795 miles). It will take 26 days comprising 22 days of cycling and four built-in rest days. The Slam starts in Olympia, Greece on Monday April 23rd (St. George’s Day) and will finish in London on Friday May 18th.

Q3: Which stages are hardest, and which the easiest?

The easiest Stage is the first, but that is full, as is Stage 2. All the stages are challenging in terms of distance and climbing. Stage 3 and 4 are beautiful rides through the Italian countryside and mountains, but they tend to be longer steady climbs – it is too early in the year to go too high on to the really big climbs

Stage 3 does include a little riding on the white dusty unmade roads used in the Giro – hence the ‘Strade Bianche’. Stage 4 is spectacular, in the Swiss Alps, starting in St Moritz, then along the southern shores of Lakes Walensee, and out into France through the magnificent nature reserve of the Massif du Ventron. There is not much climbing on Stage 5 – but it is long, the route traversing the glorious French countryside of the Champagne Region south of Reims, to Paris-Roubaix which is a unique technical and physical challenge, since there will be sections on the infamous pave (cobbles to you and me) – hence the ‘Hell of the North’, then via Eurotunnel to London. Party time.

As we know from last time, a lot depends on the weather. We had snow in Italy and sunshine in Edinburgh. One thing for certain – they are all great cycling roads, in beautiful countryside.

Q4: How will the journey be divided up?

A: It will comprise five stages. These will be:

• Olympia (Greece) to Bari, Italy
• Bari to Siena
• Luca to Aprica
• St. Moritz to Epinal (France)
• Nancy to Olympic Stadium Stratford (London, England)

Q5: Will Lawrence and Freddie be riding the entire distance?

A: Yes, they will – and so will 11 other ‘core riders’. Other riders will ride specific stages or individual days.

Q6: Are any other well-known people going to take part in the ride?

A: Yes, they will be announced as they sign up, but will include former Olympians and a range of sporting and other celebrities.

Q7: What charities or project will benefit from the event?

A: The funds that are raised will initially go into the Lawrence Dallaglio and Andrew Flintoff Foundations, and Virgin Unite. From there, specific charitable causes will be granted funds – please see ‘Charities’ section of the website for detail.

Q8: Have either – or both – Lawrence or Freddie attempted anything like this before?

A: Yes, in March 2010, Lawrence Dallaglio completed a 2,400km from Rome to Edinburgh, visiting each of the Six Nations rugby stadia en route. £1.14 million was raised, shared equally between Sport Relief (BBC) and the Dallaglio Foundation. Lawrence was joined on stages 4 and 5 of the 2010 ride by Andrew Flintoff, as part of his training programme after knee surgery. On the basis of their joint success in 2010, they have joined forces for The Dallaglio Flintoff Cycle Slam

Q9: Who is organising the Cycle Slam?

A: The Dallaglio Flintoff Cycle Slam is being organised by a team of specialists from the sport, media and event management industry. Slam Chairman in Andrew Croker [email protected] and Event Director Rob Mauchlen – [email protected]