Cycle Slam 2024: Lawrence’s Statement
Back in 2010, I was inspired to create a trip that brought together a large group of people to achieve something incredible for charity. I thought what better way to do this than through cycling and just like that, Cycle Slam was born.
Slam has been on an incredible journey since that first ride with Freddie Flintoff in 2010, 5 weeks hitting all the Six Nations stadiums. We’ve evolved year on year, consistently trying to #BreakTheCycle by pedaling through six spectacular Slam’s over 13 years since then. I’m so proud of everything that has been achieved through this event and want to end on a high, which is why I have decided to make Cycle Slam 2024 our last ever ride.
This event is extremely special to me, I’ve met and connected with friends for life and have been comforted knowing millions have been raised for fantastic causes and I want this year to be bigger and better than ever before, which is why I want you to be part of it.
We’re doing this final Slam in one of my favourite places, heading back to my roots in Italy. We’ve got the most beautiful route starting in Rome and heading north through the beautiful towns and cities of Tuscany, Lucca and San Remo and finishing just across the border in Nice. There’s a perfect balance of coastal rides and mountain climbs, it’s going to be truly stunning.
I’ll be honest, I do struggle. Slam is a tough ride, but it’s absolutely amazing. The relief and pride at the end of each day makes every tough moment worth it. If you haven’t had the chance to do it, I would strongly encoruage you to experience what I can only describe as the best organised cycling tour I’ve ever been part of. Even better, you are doing it for a fantastic cause, supporting young people on the Dallaglio RugbyWorks programme.
No young person is born bad, they are just born into a difficult set of circumstances, which is why RugbyWorks exist to support them. Our experienced coaches help them by taking them on a journey through rugby and building those long-term relationships with them, so that they can enter education, employment or training when they leave education. We currently have an 89% success rate, which is incredible. I would argue that just because you are excluded from school, it doesn’t mean you should be excluded from society and the money raised from Slam ensures we can continue to include the excluded.
Thank you to every individual who has contributed to the legacy that is Cycle Slam so far. If you are interested in taking part in our last ever ride, you can find all the information you need HERE, or by contacting taylor@dallagliorugbyworks.com. It’s going to be a Slam dunk!
Help us #BreakTheCycle once and for all.
Lawrence