COGS 4 CANCER 2023 : 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY RIDE

By Rebecca Whitlocke

Since 2013, Cogs4Cancer has organised a number of fundraising rides taking place from key yachting hubs such as Palma, Barcelona, Ancona, La Ciotat and Antibes raising over 1 million euros for Cancer Research UK and French cancer charities.

It all started when Adrian Long of superyacht cleaning company Inter-Nett was diagnosed with cancer in March 2012. A year later in March 2013, a group of like-minded bike riders came together to form the charity Cogs4Cancer, inspired by Adrian’s story and love of cycling.  Sadly, Adrian passed away in 2020 after battling brain cancer for eight years, however, the Cogs4Cancer community remains driven to continue raising money for selected cancer charities.

Purpose to Persevere

Although there are many organised charity bike rides, the Côte d’Azur will be the focal point for the Cogs4Cancer fundraising event with participants including Captains, crew and industry professionals who work on and with many of the largest superyachts in the world.

The main ride for this year takes place from La Ciotat to Antibes on 13th and 14th October following an almost 200-kilometre route that offers some heady climbs, fast flats, and stunning scenery.

Cyclists can join for the whole route which will be over two days, or just participate for various stages of this year’s cycle such as the Friday or Saturday only, or the Tribute Ride on Saturday.

C4C 2023 supporter wrist bands are also available for a minimum donation of €5 at various local Antibes businesses including The Bike Chain in the Galerie du Port and Antibes Ship Services.

Sponsors & Volunteers

Without the generous support of sponsors and volunteers, the event would not be possible.

A big thank you to sponsors: Port Vauban, Monaco Marine, Port Gallice, La Crique, Ocean Pantry, Octo Marine, Antibes Ship, Brandid 21, Versilia Supply Service, Geetech, Burgess, Yacht Chandlers, The Bike Chain, Marine Medical Antibes and So-Sij.

For the French Riviera, CSG06 will be one of the main benefactors for this years’ Cogs4Cancer ride.

Cogs4Cancer Tribute Ride

There’s no shortage of people in the French Riviera community keen to raise funds for worthy causes.  Alongside amateur cyclists and seasoned pros, this year, as usual, Cogs4Cancer will have a Tribute Ride.

Taking place on Saturday 14th October, the Tribute Ride gives people of all ages the opportunity to get involved.  Meeting at La Crique at Port Gallice, cyclists will leave from Monaco Marine. The port has very kindly offered free parking for riders and families. Cyclists are advised to be there for 16:30 for a 17:00 departure. Leaving Port Gallice, the route takes riders around the Cap d’Antibes then the ramparts in Antibes and into the IYCA at Port Vauban – a distance of 9 kilometres.

It’s not just adults that can set their wheels in motion for a good cause, little ones love a charity bike ride too!  Families with children who want to take part should join at the Sailing Club car park at Plage Salis opposite the Hotel Josse at 17:00.

The finish of the ride will be marked by a drinks reception at the IYCA Yacht Club at Port Vauban.

All participants must pre-register to take part, entry fee is 10 euros each cyclist.

Pedal-powered fundraising for a cause

As the horizon comes into focus for the 2023 edition of the C4C Fundraising Ride, it never fails to astonish me how the yachting community joins together with enthusiasm, dynamism and a ‘just do it’ attitude that give opportunities to get on your bike and raise money for others.  Cogs4Cancer is changing the world for people affected by cancer, one peloton at a time.

Every donation big or small is gratefully appreciated! For more information, go to www.cogs4cancer.org

Credits:  Sponsors logos – Brandid 21 / C4C photos by Antibes Yachting