Unicef team finish mission to cycle length of Sydney Hobart Race

The Unicef crew has cycled 1000 kms in its bid to cycle the length of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (628 nautical miles/723 miles/1225 kms).

The crew have cycled on static bikes at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia over the last four days. Their challenge finished today in driving rain and lots of wind, akin to the conditions of the notorious Bass Strait on the famous offshore race which starts on 26 December.

Crew members from the Unicef yacht were joined by crew and Skippers from other teams who cycled in the Race Village at the CYCA, Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.

Crew members cycled to raise awareness of the race and its charity partnership with UNICEF ahead of their participation in Australian offshore classic, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Unicef crew member Marta Michalska helped organise the cycle. She said: "I am proud to be on the Unicef boat and to be doing fundraising for such an important cause and a charity that I respect so much. We thought cycling the length of the RSHYR would be something different to do having sailed here all the way from the UK to participate in the prestigious race.

"The conditions were pretty hard on the final day of the cycle, just as we expect conditions to be in the Bass Strait when we compete," Marta added.

UNICEF Australia fundraising director Michael Newsome said: “The Unicef crew has proven over and over again how much it is willing to go the distance to save children’s lives,”

The bikes were kindly loaned by Fitness First Sydney.

To support UNICEF’s global work for Children, UNICEF Australia is calling on Australians to support the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race’s partnership with UNICEF.

You can give directly by donating here and leave a message of support for the cyclists for the team along with your donation.

The final total raised is yet to be determined.