Aerni rides in UNICEF Cycling for Children event

By Published On: June 14th, 2017Comments Off on Aerni rides in UNICEF Cycling for Children event

On June 10, the UNICEF sporting charity campaign “Cycling for Children” took place in Crans Montana, Switzerland. 2017 alpine combined World Champion Luca Aerni joined the cause and pedaled through the Valais region with almost 1,000 other cyclists for children in need.

The participants rode on a beautiful route with impressive views through the Valais Alps to the Col de Plumachit. From 5 a.m. onwards riders biked as many laps as they could on the course. The start and finish were in Crans Montana.

UNICEF

The aim of this was is for the riders to ride a collective 40,000 kilometers in 12 hours – which would be equal to biking once around the world. At day’s end, the participants had finished 26,000 km, leaving an achievable goal for next year. Individuals and teams encouraged their friends and family to support them with a donation. The donations will be used to combat child mortality across the globe. By the end of the event, nearly 450,000 Swiss Francs was raised for the cause.

“It is an immense joy to see so many people have traveled so far, have actively mobilized for UNICEF and Demonstrating their solidarity with children in difficulty,”said director of UNICEF Switzerland Elsbeth Mueller. “And what a pleasure everyone has had during this day! Thanks to the donations made during the event, we have received close to CHF 450,000 to support UNICEF’s child survival programs so that children do not die from preventable diseases. We will help ensure that they have access to safe drinking water and they do not suffer from hunger as is the case in Africa today.”

In addition to Aerni, other prominent figures such as Tour de France winner Andy Schleck and the Swiss actor Anatole Taubman were also on the road.

Releases courtesy of Swiss Ski and UNICEF

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About the Author: SR Staff Report