The Crohn’s Crusaders

I am very excited to announce that leading Australian cyclist Simon Gerrans has become a patron of the Crohn’s Crusaders project.

Simon won a gruelling mountain stage at the Tour de France last year and is one of the most highly respected cyclists in the sport.

Since his stage 15 win last year he has been paid one of the greatest compliments in world cycling when reigning Tour De France champion Carlos Sastre insisted on having Simon on his newly formed team to help him defend his title.

Simon will join me on the very first day of the journey as I ride the 15km prologue in Monaco on the 4th of June.

Further info on Simon can be found at his website. I would love for you to check it out

(Please note - If the link doesn’t work you can copy and paste: http://www.simongerrans.com/ into your browser address bar)

I am very excited at the prospect of riding around Monaco with Simon and really appreciate his support.

Summer Training

In other news I covered over 1,000km over the Christmas break.

Have a look at my favourite (and hardest) ride.

Images of summer training have been posted on the site.

Film Night

For those who would like to help us with our fundraising efforts we have secured a film highlighting the journey of two Canadian cyclists as they rode across Canada in 2008 to raise funds for Crohn’s. If you would like to organise an airing of the film in your area or your workplace to help raise funds for the Crohn’s Crusaders project please contact me at damian.watson@thecrusaders.com.au and I will give you further details.

Thanks again to everybody who has donated. We really appreciate your support.

I look forward to keeping you posted.

Regards

Damian Watson

Crohn’s Crusaders

www.thecrusaders.com.au

damian.watson@thecrusaders.com.au

+61 417 543 403

Skype - whereswatto

Dear Damian

Season’s greetings!

I’m extremely pleased to announce that we have welcomed a Naming Rights Partner to the Crohn’s Crusaders Project. Please find below a brief update followed by a press release announcing our Naming Rights Partner – VSL #3.

Training Rides

Recent training rides have included 3 alpine ascents over the Melbourne Cup weekend – Falls Creek (1,500m), Mount Buffalo (1,350m) and Mount Buller (1,390m). Other rides have included Cyclismo Bendigo, a 207km ride to Portsea and back and regular spin sessions with the tri-bal triathlon club in the Pit Buildings at Albert Park. All of these training rides have led me to the conclusion that there is a lot more work to be done!!

Dates Confirmed

We have confirmed our start date and will depart Monaco on Thursday 4th June 2009.

Video of the tour route at the following link (scary viewing!):

http://www.letour.com/VIDEOS/TDF/2009/popup_video_parcours3d.html

Donations

A massive thank you to everybody who has donated so far, especially Tony Dew who got the ball rolling as the very first donor to the project. Other excellent contributions include the Phillip Island Nature Park who raised $300 at a recent staff fundraiser, $420 from Tsiao-Lin from Adelaide and ongoing contributions from ANZIIF (my workplace) who are donating “Friday Casual Day” funds to the project. In addition to all of this I would like to thank Lumley General Insurance for contributing $1,000 to the donation tally. The largest donation to date and greatly appreciated. Thanks Lumley!

To organise a fundraiser at your workplace or contribute your company’s “Friday Casual Day” funds please drop me an e-mail at damian.watson@thecrusaders.com.au

If you wish to make a donation you can do so at the following link:

http://www.thecrusaders.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=96

VSL #3 Become Naming Rights Partner of the Crohn’s Crusaders

VSL #3 have announced their support of the Crohn’s Crusaders project by becoming the Naming Rights Partner.

VSL #3 is a powerful probiotic formula consisting of 8 different naturally occurring strains of live freeze-dried bacteria that have been chosen to optimise the balance of beneficial intestinal microflora within the gastrointestinal tract.

VSL #3 is used by many people seeking to improve digestive function and, as such, is an obvious choice to partner the project.

Jennifer Goss of VSL #3 says:

“The intestinal tract of humans is a crucial organ involved in maintaining nutritional balance and assisting the immune system. VSL#3 is the world’s most concentrated probiotic and works to restore the natural order of beneficial bacterial species which helps the digestive system function normally.”

VSL #3 will be providing Damian with product as part of a specially designed eating plan to help his digestive system work more efficiently ensuring he is in peak condition for the attempt on the gruelling Tour de France route.

Further information about VSL #3 at - http://www.vsl3.com/VSL3/default.asp

Thanks very much, enjoy the festive season, and we look forward to keeping you updated with the progress of the Crohn’s Crusaders project in 2009.

Damian Watson

damian.watson@thecrusaders.com.au

www.thecrusaders.com.au

Skype – whereswatto

+61 417 543 403

and

Damian Kitch (Support Crew)

damien.kitch@thecrusaders.com.au

Dear Damian

The 2009 Tour de France route was just announced in Paris. At last I know where I’ll be riding so I can start planning (and training).

The route will take us through some amazing locations in 6 countries and will cover a total distance of 3,500km.

In addition to all of the beautiful French countryside that we will be cycling through we will also pass through Spain, Andorra, Italy and Switzerland after beginning in Monaco.

Some quick facts about the 2009 route:

There are 21 stages including 10 flat stages and 7 mountain stages with 3 mountain finishes. 20 Category 1, Category 2 and highest level passes will be climbed. Also, for the first time ever there is a huge mountain stage on the second last day before riding into Paris. I am trembling already.

It’s going to be tough but it will also be great fun. I can’t wait!

The Crohn’s Crusaders attempt at the entire tour route will begin from Monaco on 4th June.

Further route info at the Tour de France website at the following link:

http://www.letour.com/2009/TDF/COURSE/us/le_parcours.html

Let the training begin!

Regards

Damian

PS - Thanks to everybody who joined the e-news at the Bicycle Victoria “Go Bike” Expo over the weekend. You will find us at the Surf Coast 6 Hour event this coming weekend.

Damian Watson

Crohn’s Crusaders

www.thecrusaders.com.au

damian.watson@thecrusaders.com.au

+61 417 543 403

Skype - whereswatto