Thales Nederland sends a team to 'The Ride for the Roses', a large-scale charitable cycling event aimed at supporting research institutes that are trying to find a cure for cancer. The 2004 edition of the Ride for the Roses will be organized on 29 August in Oldenzaal, a medium-sized town in the eastern part of the Netherlands, about 15 kilometres from the headquarters of Thales Nederland in Hengelo. The rural, slightly hilly, scenery will make a beautiful background for this cycling event.

Physical well-being is of prime importance to Thales NL and that is why the company has decided to send a cycling team to the Ride of the Roses. Contributing to the fight against cancer is not the only reason; practising sport is also important, as physical exercise keeps the body in good condition.

The Thales population responded enthusiastically to this decision. Within a few hours the number of cyclists eager for a place in the team amounted to nearly 40: almost double the maximum number of 20 established by the organization of the 'Ride'.
The graphic designers of Thales NL shared in this enthusiasm and designed a unique cycling outfit that will be worn by the team during the ride.
The Thales team will participate in the 100 kilometres ride. Although the distance will not be a problem for most team members, it was considered a good idea to make some collective training tours in order to make a good appearance on 29 August.

Famous racing cyclist Lance Armstrong won the prestigious Tour de France cycling race six times in a row after having been cured of cancer. In 1997 he organized the first Ride for the Roses. One year later the first 'Ride' was held in the Netherlands. From then on each year thousands of cyclists participate in 'the Ride' and help to fight cancer. In 2003, the Ride for the Roses attracted over 7000 participants.

More information:
Frank van de Wiel
tel. +31 74 248 29 51
e-mail: frank.vandewiel@nl.thalesgroup.com

See also:
www.ridefortheroses.nl
www.laf.org