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It’s time to gear up for the Tour de Tay cycling challenge.
Abertay University’s annual fundraising event was launched today with a head-to-head race on campus.
Abertay Principal & Vice-Chancellor Nigel Seaton and Noele McClelland, of Thorntons Law – the event’s Platinum sponsor – took to static bikes in the University’s gym for a strenuous warm-up.
Tour de Tay is a cycling challenge along the scenic banks of the River Tay.
On Saturday 23 September, participants can take on the 50-mile route from Newport or the 25-mile route from Perth.
Thorntons are the Platinum event sponsors, with Leisure & Culture Dundee and Tactran are already signed up as Gold sponsors.
Noele, a Partner at Thorntons, will be taking part in Tour de Tay. She said: “As an organisation, Thorntons are keen to support local initiatives and the university is such an important part of our community.
“If we can help students to develop personally and professionally, while also getting a bit of exercise at the same time, then everyone’s a winner.”
Professor Seaton, who will also be participating, said: “I’m delighted that so many people are signing up for this year’s Tour de Tay.
“Having taken part before, I can tell you that it’s a super event. It’s a challenge for everybody involved, and also an event with a spirit of comradeship, as we come together to raise funds to support Abertay students.
“We are very grateful to our backers, including Platinum sponsors Thorntons, for getting behind the event and helping our students to fulfil their potential.”
All proceeds from the £20 sign-up fee go towards Abertay’s Expanding Horizons Scholarship Fund – helping provide opportunities for students to study abroad with our partner institutions as part of their degree.
Callum Craigie, who is about to start his fourth year at Abertay on the Sport & Exercise Science programme, had a nine-month exchange to the USA as part of his Tour de Tay scholarship.
The 22-year-old, who signed for the ice hockey team Dundee Comets, the Scottish National League feeder team to the Dundee Stars, in 2015 when he started his degree, works hard to juggle his studies and sporting commitments.
Each week, Callum trains in the gym five times for at least two hours at a time and on the ice up to three times. He also plays two games every weekend, and sometimes another midweek.
Last season, Callum’s ice hockey career was given an international boost when he played in Jacksonville, while on exchange at the University of North Florida.
He said: “The exchange was a life-changing experience. As an ice hockey player, I wanted to see the ways in which American sports franchises and athletes are maintained. Training and playing in America was very much a highlight of my stay and very valuable experience for my ice hockey career.
“I would like to thank everyone who took part in last year’s event and wish this year’s event even more success.”
For more information - and to sign up for Tour de Tay - go to https://www.abertay.ac.uk/tourdetay/