'A celebration of Joe's life' - Brother of Wolverhampton cyclist speaks at start of event to honour his memory
Hundreds of cyclists once more got on their bikes this morning for a fundraising ride in memory of a promising Wolverhampton sportsman who died after a road accident.
Willenhall teenager Joseph Guy, known as Joe, died aged 16 after a collision with a van off the A449 Stafford Road near Wolverhampton in May 2017.He was training to become a professional time trial rider at the time of his death.
The Ride for Joe event, organised by his brother Craig and members of Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club where Joe was a member, was being run for the ninth time and hundreds of cyclists set off from WV Active, Aldersley on a 30 mile or 50 mile course. Former Olympic and world champion cyclist Hugh Porter MBE was on hand to see them off.
This year Ride for Joe took in the Cosford based Midlands Air Ambulance which acted as a feed station.
Over £30,000 has been raised for the charity since the event was first held, with members of many many cycling clubs from the region taking part and organiser John Ireson addressed the crowd before they set off and said it had always been an event to remember Joe's legacy.
He said: "We lost Joe eight years ago but he is always, always in our memories and this is a celebration of his life and what he loved doing and was going to do with it.
"He had great prospects in the sport and it was a life lost too early but at least we can remember him with so many of the cycling community coming out again to support this event.
"Since the first one, thousands of pounds has been raised for the Midlands Air Ambulance who have been so supportive and I would like to thank them and all the organisers who make the event happen each year and everyone who supports it."
A traditional minute's silence was then held before the cyclists pedalled off on their routes, with Joe's brother Craig leading them off.
After he had finished hs ride, John said pre-entries for the event had hit record levels and with those on the day, the number of cyclists taking part was around 300, with £3,000 plus expected to be raised.
He said: "It was a fantastic turnout again for the nine event and the organisation was great, with extra water stations, markers and the help of people at the Midlands Air Ambulance . It was fitting their HQ could act as halfway point if you like as all the money goes to this worthy cause.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped organise the event, so many people were needed and all those who took part on a scorching day."
