On Sunday 29 August more than 7.000 cyclists gathered in Oldenzaal, quite near the Hengelo headquarters of Thales NL, to take part in the "Ride for the Roses", a charitable cycling event of which the proceeds will be donated to cancer-research institutes. The Ride for the Roses was initiated by Lance Armstrong, former cancer patient and after being cured, he won the gruelling Tour de France six times in a row. This year's ride yielded an amount of 413.000 euro, a record in its eight-year history.

Thales NL sent a team of 20 employees to this event. The team, all trained cyclists, not only finished the 100 km ride without any problem but were proud to exhibit Thales' sporting and social character.