MARBLEHEAD, Ma., May 25, 2005 — Destination
Cycling today announced that former U.S. Olympian and cancer
survivor, Kevin Mahaney, '87, will ride all 2,241 miles of
the 2005 Tour de France route this July to raise money for
the Tyler Hamilton Foundation (THF) and the Lance Armstrong
Foundation (LAF). As organizers of the Tour de France Challenge
2005 (TDFC), Destination Cycling will ensure that the 43-year
old Mahaney has the necessary support to complete what many
people deem the most grueling bike race in the world.
“Life is not a spectator sport,” says Kevin Mahaney,
after watching the 2002 Tour de France with his three sons and
being inspired by the performances of both Tyler Hamilton and
Lance Armstrong. Having a close family friend with multiple sclerosis
and overcoming a personal battle with cancer in 1993, Kevin Mahaney
has chosen THF (multiple sclerosis) and LAF (cancer survivorship)
as the TDFC beneficiaries. “Tyler and Lance inspire me
and like them, I am not complacent with the status quo, I am
dreaming of something impossible that hopefully will encourage
others to do the same.”
Kevin Mahaney, 43, is no stranger to athletic challenge. In
1992, he won an Olympic Silver Medal in sailing and the prestigious
title of Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. In 1995, he founded and
skippered the America's Cup defense team "Young America." In
2002, Kevin set a three-year plan to get into cycling shape,
bought a bike and started training. In 2005, Kevin approached
Destination Cycling to transform his dream into a reality with
travel, team and technical support.
“Destination Cycling is in the business of making people’s
dream vacations possible, no matter how big that dream might
be,” said Joe Tonon, Destination Cycling’s Founder
and Director. “It’s a major feat to ride 2,241 miles
in a year, so to do it in one month, just days before the professional
racers pedal through, is extraordinary. The logistics of this
ride are daunting as well, but the Destination Cycling team is
up for the challenge.”
Destination Cycling has organized the staff and logistics for
Kevin’s ride as a true professional cycling team. Kevin
will be supported by a team of eight other riders and a staff
including one coach, one mechanic, and three trainers. The team
will follow the same exact route as the 2005 Tour de France,
covering all 21 stages and a total distance of 2,241 miles (3,606
kilometers). During July, the team will ride the route the day
before the professional peloton.
In addition to Destination Cycling, event sponsors include The
Olympia Companies, Clif Bar, Kryptonite, Hutchinson Tires, Pedro's,
Smith, and Zipp Wheels.
Besides underwriting all trip expenses, Kevin personally has
donated to the TDFC, $1 per kilometer cycled. Destination Cycling
is matching Kevin’s donation. Net proceeds raised from
the Tour de France Challenge 2005 will be contributed to the
Tyler Hamilton Foundation and Lance Armstrong Foundation. Individual
supporters are encouraged to donate to the Tour de France Challenge
online at http://www.active.com/donate/tdfchallenge2005
Asked about why he chose Destination Cycling to lead his epic
ride, Kevin explains, “Every other company I approached
was afraid to commit to the challenges involved in running such
a tour. I chose Destination Cycling because of its knowledge,
contacts, and capabilities with organizing European performance
cycling tours. Destination Cycling cared about my goals and objectives.”
About Destination Cycling
Destination Cycling creates active lifestyle vacations specializing in performance,
lifestyle, charity, and custom itineraries. Building on its founders’ expertise
in European race-oriented cycling vacations, it offers journeys that blend
cycling, local traditions, culinary delights, and wellness into unforgettable
experiences. For more information, visit www.destinationcycling.com.
About the Tyler Hamilton Foundation
The Tyler Hamilton Foundation's (THF) mission is to provide opportunity and
access for individuals affected by multiple sclerosis and aspiring young
athletes with a passion for cycling. For more information, visit www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) believes that in your battle with cancer,
unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the
moment of diagnosis, we provide the practical information and tools you need
to live strong. For more information, visit laf.org and LIVESTRONG.org.
