Rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio pedalled into Wolseley UK’s head office in Leamington Spa on Monday, as part of the 2014 Dallaglio Cycle Slam.
Mr Dallaglio, along with Austin Healey, Martin Johnson, Martin Corry and 60 other riders, stopped in to the office for an energy-boosting lunch, provided by sponsor Catermasters. The team were en route from Loughborough to Bicester on day 18 of the ride. To the delight of Wolseley UK and Catermasters employees, Mr Dallaglio made time for a Q&A session, when he paid tribute to everyone involved in the event.
“It’s been an amazing experience,” he said. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped support the Dallaglio Cycle Slam and raise so much money for our work with young people. Bring on the next one!”
Dallaglio Cycle Slam is a charity fundraising event that sees 300 riders tackle physically challenging European routes. The 2014 event covers 2,300km through the Italian Dolomites, Swiss and French Alps and Yorkshire moors, taking in the climbs and passes of the Tour de France and Gira d'Italia.
Lee Newman, director at Wolseley UK, said: “It was a pleasure to host Lawrence and his team of cyclists. They clock up some serious miles during their 25-day ride and I’m in awe of what they manage to achieve in the name of charity. Our employees also relished the chance to spend time with him and meet a true sporting great.”
Catermasters’ joint managing director Nigel Johnson added: “The chefs in our mobile catering unit have been extremely busy cooking and serving lots of wholesome, energy-boosting food and drink to the riders along this year’s 1,441-mile route and, by keeping them in top shape nutritionally, we’ve given them the best possible chance of raising lots of money for the wonderful charities that the Dallaglio Cycle Slam supports.”
