Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 to Donate Race Winnings to Japan Relief Efforts
On the whole, professional cyclists do not make a great deal of money. And if you are a female in the sport, well that amount is even decidedly less. Therefore, earning any prize money at all could mean the difference between being able to travel to the next race, or for some, whether it is even economically feasible to remain in the sport.
The news that the ladies of Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 are planning to donate their winnings to help provide some relief to those devastated by the events that recently transpired in Japan is the kind of selfless act that usually defines what it means to be a leader. Not too surprisingly, going off the front is usually what typifies this classy organization.
In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last week, the athletes of Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 women’s professional cycling team have pledged to donate any race winnings from the upcoming San Dimas Stage Race to recovery efforts. The team would also like to challenge the entire pro women’s and men’s pelotons to do the same. Total prize money for the pro women’s race is $2,500; for the men’s it is $7,500.
“If both pelotons agree to go all in, there could be as much as $10,000 sent to one of the charities spearheading recovery efforts in Japan,” said TWENTY12 racer Kristin McGrath (above). “We feel very blessed to be able to race our bikes and then go home to warm beds and hot food. As individuals, it is hard to make a big difference, but as a group, we have the opportunity to make a bigger difference.”
The San Dimas Stage Race in California is a three-stage race that attracts some of the biggest names in pro cycling. Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion Kristin Armstrong will be racing for Team TWENTY12 in her first race since coming out of retirement following the birth of her son. Armstrong will be racing alongside a star-studded roster that includes Alison Starnes, winner of the Merco Cycling Classic and multi-time National Champion, Coryn Rivera.
“The situation in Japan is so devastating, just being able to suffer on my bike and chase my dreams makes me feel incredibly lucky. We don’t make a lot of money as bike racers, so any help towards Japan will be huge,” Rivera said.
Peanut Butter & Co.TWENTY12 development rider Hanan Alves-Hyde has spent some time in Japan track racing and discovered a very tight knit community of fixed gear enthusiasts, "I learned so much about myself while racing my track bike in Japan, I love and respect the Japanese people and their culture. After hearing and seeing news about the tragic earthquake and its after-effects, these feelings for Japan have only grown." stated Alves-Hyde, " I wish all the best for everyone affected by this."
The decision to contribute any prize money was unanimous among the athletes and staff. It is their hope that other teams can make the same commitment.
“In the same generosity of spirit that founded the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 team, our athletes and staff have chosen to give back to the global connection of the human spirit, in order that others may find hope, just as we have, from the kindness and support of those who believe in the spirit of life,” said Team Director, Giana Roberge.
The San Dimas Stage Race will take place March 25-March 27
Please send relief inquires to: Nicola Cranmer teamtwenty12@gmail.com
And for updates check team Facebook page
The team will set up a Red Cross page for any additional donations.
Photos: AP (top); Wil Matthews (middle, bottom)
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