An Olympic gold medallist is backing a charity cycle ride across the South Downs after backing the first event over five years ago.
Hurdler Sally Gunnell OBE will swap the athletic track for the mountain bike trail as part of the trek across the countryside in aid of a children’s hospice.
Sally, 56, said she had been cycling regularly for years and, after previously trekking from Arundel to Paris, wanted to get back in the saddle to support the Hit The Downs event.
The former Olympian and world champion, who lives in Steyning, said: “I’ve been cycling regularly for years and riding my bike around the South Downs countryside is one of my favourite ways to keep fit with friends.
“My friend Emma and I have taken part in a number of cycling challenges for charity – including riding from Chestnut Tree House to Paris – and I’m delighted to be doing Hit The Downs again.
“What I most enjoyed about Hit The Downs last time was the atmosphere and camaraderie. Everyone is there because they want to grab life by the handlebars and there’s so much encouragement for other riders.”
Sally Gunnell won Olympic gold at the Barcelona games in 1992 where she topped the 400m hurdles.
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She also achieved a bronze medal at the same games competing in the 4x400m relay for Great Britain.
One year later in 1993, Sally also took home gold in the hurdles world championship race.
Hit The Downs involves cyclist trekking from Shoreham and riding between 30 and 80km across the South Downs in aid of Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, which is near Arundel. The event has been running since 2017.
Other riders taking place this year include two Ukrainian refugees who signed up for the event weeks after arriving in the UK.
The hospice provides care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families as well as bereavement support and emergency care.
Hit The Downs will also support St Barnabas House in Worthing, a hospice which provides care to adults.
The event takes place on Sunday, July 16, starting at Adur Recreation Ground in Shoreham.
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