After gruelling it out for 2,872km across Europe in 22 days ? Lawrence Dallaglio, Freddie Flintoff and the rest fo the team have completed the Cycle Slam 2012.
In total, the riders climbed over 1,472,316m and a combined total of over 4,408,904 calories burned across the 22 day cycle.
There have been over 250 riders who have joined the groups throughout the cycle including five people from PizzaExpress and our competition winner Rob Lawton, who was chosen from over 600 entrants to win a place in the fourth stage of the Cycle Slam.
Lawrence pulled in some celebrities for the ride including Lee Dixon and Graeme Le Saux and visits from Sir Richard Branson and his wife Joan, James Cracknell, former GB Rowing Gold medallist and former international professional cyclists Frank Hoj, Jeremy Roy, and Claudio Chiappucci, also joined the team at various stages to offer their support.
As the last leg of the Tour finished up we asked one of the PizzaExpress team members, Sarah Judd, to fill us in on what happened during the final stage to the London Olympic stadium:
Day 1
We were greeted by sunny skies for our preparation day in Bollinger ? home of the famous Champagne. The first night was a briefing from Lawrence where he outlined all the relevant information for the coming 4 days – particularly the fines…a shot of spirits. It was noted Sam Branson (Richard Branson’s son) wasn’t at dinner and instead had room service – needless to say he was the recipient of a fine the next night!
Day 2
After such a fun night at Bollinger we changed our route to start our ride at the Bollinger House for photos at the iconic champagne producer.
Graham La Saux and Lee Dixon were on the tandem for the day and arrived at Bollinger House with a tray, plastic glasses and a couple of bottles of champers dressed in white shirts and bow ties. They were hilarious pouring champers as they passed riders all morning.
Day 3
Another early start and possibly too much vino the night before, we set off for a shorter 120km day of cycling. The wind had calmed down and the sun was shining – our spirits were high!
We arrived on homesoil and were greeted by some delicious pizzas – loads of American Hots of course – at our Ashford PizzaEpress. The evening was quite relaxed because we were gearing ourselves up for the final ride where we could meet up with our friends and family.
Day 4
Our last day and our last 5am start (it was even earlier for those of us who forgot to change their clocks back!)
Today we were joined by about 50 extra riders – most of the riders joined us agaion because they wanted one last taste of the Slam.
We all regrouped at the Woolich ferry – 150 riders, support cars and followed by the Discovery Channel helicopter we made our way through the streets of East London to Stratford – home of the 2012 Olympics.
– Sarah
We would like to congratulate all the riders for their?hard work, not just for the 22 day cycle but for their fundraising efforts.
And a special shout out must go to Lawrence Dallaglio and Freddie Flintoff – well done guys. You did a great job bringing everyone together for this great cause.
You can still donate to the Cycle Salm 2012 – please head to http://www.dallaglioflintoff2012.com/
Source: Pizza Express