Breast Cancer Care has today extended its partnership with the OVO Energy Women’s Tour, Britain’s most prestigious professional women’s cycle race.

This year’s race will see Breast Cancer Care, which merged with Breast Cancer Now in April, lend its name to the race’s points jersey for the second year running. Marianne Vos, arguably the greatest cyclist of all time, won the competition in 2018 following a close battle with overall champion Coryn Rivera.

Pink Ribbons

Furthermore, all 96 world-class riders who take the start of the 2019 race (Monday 10 – 15 June) in Suffolk will once again be given a Breast Cancer Care Pink Ribbon complete with a personalised, individual message written by somebody diagnosed with breast cancer.

This initiative memorably led to 2017 champion Kasia Niewiadoma attributing part of her race-winning performance to the message on her Pink Ribbon emotionally written by Laura Hunter.

Fans will also be able to show their support for their favourite riders competing in the 2019 race by donating to Breast Cancer Care via JustGiving donation pages set up in each participating team’s name. More information on this initiative will be revealed later this month.

Breast Cancer Care Women's Tour

Kasia Niewiadoma meets Laura Hunter, stage three, 2017 OVO Energy Women’s Tour

Reaction to today’s news

Two years on from writing her Pink Ribbon, Laura Hunter said: “You don’t realise just how much of an impact your words will have on the rider, so when you hear that your message inspired them as much as it did for Kasia, it makes it all the more special and reminds you of the significance of the partnership between Breast Cancer Care and The OVO Energy Women’s Tour.”

Claire Pulford, Assistant Director of Events, Community and Students at Breast Cancer Care added: “We are delighted to be partnering with the OVO Energy Women’s Tour for a third year. Every year we have seen the riders embrace our pink ribbon messages from women going through the challenge of breast cancer whilst tackling their own challenge across each stage. Over half a million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of breast cancer and by raising funds and awareness, we can continue in our aim that everyone who develops breast cancer will live, and until then everyone will receive the care, support and information they need to live well.”

Women's Tour Breast Cancer Care

Marianne Vos won the Breast Cancer Care points jersey in the 2018 race.

Team Sunweb rider Leah Kirchman said: “It’s cool to see how the race has partnered with Breast Cancer Care to raise awareness. It’s a cause close to my heart – some family members have had breast cancer – and it means a lot to receive the Pink Ribbons each year. 

“Having those messages of inspiration and hearing their stories gives you a little bit of extra energy when you’re on a bike. Suffering on a bike is nothing compared to the challenges they’ve faced.”

British Cycling commercial director Jonathan Rigby added: “This is a wonderful initiative, and it’s fantastic to see the partnership continuing for another year. At British Cycling, we are committed to ensuring that all of our major events are not only fitting showcases for our great sport, but have wider societal impact as well. Raising awareness of breast cancer and the great work that Breast Cancer Care do fits perfectly into this philosophy.”

Downloads and links

Click here to discover our 2019 jersey | Click here to visit our partners’ page