Zwift to Host Second Annual Ride On Zwiftathon to benefit World Bicycle Relief

CHICAGO - Nov. 21, 2016 - PRLog -- On December 3^rd, the second annual Ride On Zwiftathon to benefit World Bicycle Relief returns to the online cycling world of Zwift and will unite riders from around the globe to raise awareness and funds for the Power of Bicycles®.

The primary mission of the 24-hour Ride On Zwiftathon for World Bicycle Relief is to provide bicycles for students in rural Africa. The fundraising goal for the event is to raise $200,000 for World Bicycle Relief by mobilizing the largest ever community of global cyclists on the Zwift platform. Participants will work together to unlock significant donations from partners and will have the opportunity to raise funds through a global online fundraising challenge.

"Zwift's unique platform allows riders from all over the world to come together in a truly global fundraising event. No corner of the globe is off limits as we embrace 'The Power of Bicycles and The Power of You.'" said Katie Bolling, World Bicycle Relief's Development Director.

Current and past pro cyclists will come together for Ride On Zwiftathon for World Bicycle Relief- most notably Andy Hampsten from the classic US team 7-11/Motorola. Andy Hampsten will be joined by Belgian pro racer Axel Merckx, Formula 1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya, and Danish mountain bike pro Annika Langvad for a day of racing, riding and fundraising.

"I look forward to participating in this event with my former team and reuniting in support of World Bicycle Relief," said Tom Schuler who spearheaded the effort to reunite the 7-Eleven team.

Riders participating in the event will be visible throughout Zwift in a World Bicycle Relief kit while riding on the organization's signature Buffalo Bicycle- the purpose built, specially designed bicycle that World Bicycle Relief distributes in rural developing areas around the world. Participants will also be able to unlock a special edition Eddy Merckx bicycle used by Team 7-11/Motorola. There is no registration fee; instead, each rider is encouraged to fundraise $147- the cost of providing one bicycle for one student.

"The community at Zwift knows the power of cycling well and is passionate about what bikes and Zwift have done for them. I know they are eager for the opportunity to share that with others, especially when a bike can make such a difference in a student's life." said Mike McCarthy, Vice President of Partnerships at Zwift.

To inspire participants to ride farther and reach higher fundraising goals, Trek Bicycle will match funds raised up to $45,000 if all participating riders reach 250,000 miles collectively within the 24-hour period. The top fundraising rider will also receive a SRAM-equipped, custom Trek Project One Madone road bike and a soon-to-be-released CycleOps Hammer trainer.

"World Bicycle Relief is using bikes to reduce the distance between people and the resources they need to survive. We want to help where we can and we are excited to support the Ride On Zwiftathon for World Bicycle Relief," said Adam Kostichka, Trek Bicycle Advocacy Manager.

Join Zwift, World Bicycle Relief, Trek Bicycle, CycleOps and the cycling community around the world on December 3rd as we collectively celebrate The Power of Bicycles® and support the work of World Bicycle Relief.

Find out more about the Ride On Zwiftathon for World Bicycle Relief here: https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/event/ride-on-zwiftathon/

About Zwift:

Zwift is the premier digital cycling destination where people from around the globe can ride their bikes in an immersive, life-like interactive experience all in real time. www.zwift.com

About World Bicycle Relief

Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through The Power of Bicycles®. World Bicycle Relief accomplishes its mission by distributing specially designed, high quality bicycles through philanthropic and social enterprise programs. These purpose designed bicycles are built to withstand the challenging terrain and conditions in rural, developing areas. Entrepreneurs use the bicycles to increase productivity and profits. Students attend class more regularly and their academic performances improve. And, health care workers visit more patients in less time, providing better, more consistent care. World Bicycle Relief also promotes local economies and long-term sustainability by assembling bicycles locally and training field mechanics to service the bicycles. To date, World Bicycle Relief has delivered over 300,000 bicycles and trained over 1,200 field mechanics in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. World Bicycle Relief is a registered nonprofit in USA, Canada, U.K. and Germany, and has assembly facilities in Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa and Angola.

For more information, please visit: http://worldbicyclerelief.org Follow us @PowerOfBicycles and Like us at facebook.com/worldbicyclerelief

World Bicycle Relief Media Contact:

Brooke Slezak

brooke@brookeslezak.com

press@worldbicyclerelief.org

Mobile: 917.689.6024