Over 50 cyclists will meet at the gates of the Millennium Stadium from 9.30am on Sunday 11th January before setting off on an organised bike ride in support of Owen Williams – the Wales and Cardiff Blues player who sustained a serious spinal cord injury during the World 10s in Singapore last summer.
Representing Williams’ career from club to country, the 25 mile cycle challenge features the home grounds of the Wales national team, Cardiff Blues and Aberdare RFC.
After a series of photos on Gate Three ramp at the Millennium, cyclists will head to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park to commence the race at 10am before following the route along the Taff Trail to the finishing line at Ynys playing fields.
The ride is set to raise significant funds in Williams’ name via the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, which provides support for players in Wales who have been seriously injured in rugby.
The event is a joint venture with the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Blues and Aberdare RFC and has been set up and promoted as part of the #staystrongforows campaign.
Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde, who led the 2013 summer tour of Japan when four-times capped Williams made his senior international debut, will be joining the family, friends and fans taking part in the ride.
Among them will be Owen’s father Huw and brother Gavin. While a host of Cardiff Blues stars are expected to cheer on the cyclists when they set off at 10am on Sunday morning from Gate 3 Millennium Stadium.
“Owen is a remarkable rugby man whose determination and positivity throughout his injury has been an inspiration to everyone involved from the grassroots to the elite game in Wales,” said McBryde.
“Owen won his first senior cap during the summer tour I led in Japan in 2013 and as such is a player whose development I will always keep a close eye on. As an international coach and a father of two sons playing rugby I was, like everyone involved in the sport, saddened by Owen’s injury but having met with Owen on a number of occasions since I’ve been genuinely touched by his positive manner.
“When Owen came to the Millennium Stadium to watch Wales play New Zealand in the autumn, his positivity and his unfaltering passion for the game was a huge inspiration to see. The coming together of the rugby community for the fundraising bike ride on Sunday is a huge testament to Owen. The event also showcases the fantastic individuals we have involved in the game in Wales and I’m looking forward to taking on the cycle challenge this weekend in support of such a fantastic cause.”
Aberdare Club Secretary John Wrangham commented: “Aberdare Rugby Club members welcome the opportunity along with the other participants to take an active part in the bike ride to support Owen Williams.
“The club prides itself in encouraging young people to take an interest in rugby. It is therefore a fitting tribute to Owen who started his rugby career in the clubs thriving Mini & Junior section. Many of the riders are from the local community and other valley clubs.”
He added: “The event is part of an ongoing fund raising programme that is being organised by the club in partnership with the Aberdare Community. These include a concert with local artists and ‘Only Boys Aloud’ plus a golf competition promoted by Aberdare Golf Club.”
Richard Holland, Chief Executive at Cardiff Blues, said: “We are delighted that the bike ride will start from BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park and that so many people are taking part to raise valuable funds for Owen.
“This is the first part of two planned charity bike rides for Owen, with another from Cardiff to Paris in June as part of the #StayStrongForOws fundraising and awareness campaign.
“It would be fantastic to see as many of our supporters as possible at our home stadium to give the riders a fitting send-off on Sunday morning and, on behalf of Cardiff Blues, I hope all the riders enjoy the event while raising money for such an inspirational young man.”
