Irish rider Ben Delaney is looking for votes to become the race ambassador for next year’s epic Transcontinental Race which starts on 28 July 2017. Delaney who races for UCS Cycling Club is amongst 15 riders shortlisted to become the ambassador.
The race takes the riders across continental Europe from Geraardsbergen in Belgium with the finish in Meteora, Greece. The race distance since its inception in 2013 has ranged between 3,200 kilometres and 4,200 kilometres.
Aside from some relatively short obligatory sections that must be used near the start, some checkpoints, and the finish, participants are mostly free to choose their own route, and are strongly encouraged to independently plan their own route.
The four checkpoints that the riders must pass through next year are Schloss Lichtenstein in Germany, Monte Grappa in Italy, High Tatras Mountains in Slovakia and Transfagarasan Highway in Romania.
PEdAL ED and the Transcontinental organisers are looking for the next wearer of the #171 race cap for the 5th edition of the race who will act as race ambassador and Delaney is one of the riders in the running.
The following statement from the organisers outlines the type of person that they are looking for.
“We’re looking for someone who has a great understanding of the spirit of the race and self reliance and can communicate it well.
“We set the participants of our competition the task of making us a 3 minute video of their thoughts on the Transcontinental and what the spirit of the race means to them and why they should be the ambassador for PEdAL ED and the TCR…
“Now its your turn to help us pick the winner.
“Watch the videos here and vote below who you think communicates the spirit or self sufficiency, mutual respect and equal opportunity the best.
“(Voting ends on 3rd January 2017)”
Below is the video from Delaney:
