Yorkshire Cancer Research celebrates record-breaking Selby Three Swans

A record number of cyclists took part in the Selby Three Swans Sportive on Sunday (September 3), raising more than £40,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

About 1,100 people crossed the finish line on the pavement outside Selby Abbey, including Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and Director of the Tour de Yorkshire.

The ride includes a choice of 30, 60 or 100 miles, and with a fast, flat route and picturesque scenery it has become a firm favourite with both beginners looking for their first sportive and more experienced cyclists hoping for a personal best.

The event is organised by regional charity Yorkshire Cancer Research, which once again teamed up with Selby Cycling Club, Selby District Council, and ‘Inspiring health lifestyles’, leisure operator for the council, to deliver the ride.

As in previous years, Inspiring healthy lifestyles ran an event village on the Selby Abbey pavement to entertain families and supporters and to welcome everyone home again.

Sir Gary said: “It was great to be able to support cycling in Selby on the back of the legacy of the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire, and to support Yorkshire Cancer Research as well. The route took us through some nice villages and beautiful scenery. It was brilliant to see so many people taking part, raising lots of money for a good cause.”

Joe Taylor, Partnerships Manager at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We’re overwhelmed by how popular the Selby Three Swans has become. It’s a fantastic event which really showcases the unbeatable countryside Yorkshire has to offer. We’re so proud of everyone who completed the ride, and cannot thank them enough for all the time they put into fundraising and training for the event.

“We’d also like to thank our volunteers, our Selby Committee, Selby Cycling Club and all our other partners, without whom the event would simply not be possible. The money raised will help us work in the heart of communities in Yorkshire to ensure more people survive cancer.”

Cllr Richard Musgrave, Selby District Council’s Executive member and lead councillor with responsibility for housing, leisure, health and culture said: “Well done to all those that took on the Selby Three Swans Sportive, raising money for a great cause. It was great to see so many cyclists of all ages taking on one of the sportive challenges.  The Selby District is a great place for cycling and the event does a fantastic job in pushing the district as a cycling destination both locally and nationally.

“Congratulations to Yorkshire Cancer Research and Selby Cycling Club for producing another hugely successful sportive, it’s a deserved reward for the hard work they have put in to delivering the event.  I hope that the sportive will inspire more people in the district to get out on their bike and take part in physical activity.”

For more information about fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research, please visit www.ycr.org.uk/teamyorkshire.