Colt’s 2013 charity bike peloton completes Paris-Amsterdam leg

Colt's 2013 charity bike peloton arrives in Amsterdam

By: Francois d'Essertaux - 26/09/2013

Francois is Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Colt Technology Services. As a member of the brand, communications and marketing team. He is responsible for coordinating the strategy and delivery of Colt’s CSR agenda, encompassing activity driving Colt’s responsibility credentials with the Environment, Customers and Suppliers, Employees and Communities. Prior to focusing on CSR Francois was Group media relations Manager, before joining as Communications Manager for Colt in France in 2005. Francois has worked as a communications and marketing manager at Colt and in agency roles for over 10 years.

Like this
Close Thanks for liking this page. Tell us why by adding a comment at the bottom.

4 likes
0 comments

As announced in my previous blog , on Friday 20th Sept, 35 riders from across Colt took up the challenge of riding 560 km from Paris to Amsterdam in four days.

Colt riders of all stripes, nationalities, and abilities, committed to raising funds in support of Kids Company, a worthy charity providing support to disadvantaged children in London and Bristol, UK.

Highest charitable goal achieved in Colt’s history!

Building on the success of our London to Paris 2012 charity bike ride, where 17 Colt riders generated over £16,000 for Kids Company, this year’s Paris to Amsterdam charity bike peloton was only going to be bigger and better. To date we’ve reached over 88% of our £18,000 target, which Colt will support by match funding. With our JustGiving page still open for two more weeks, don’t miss your window to donate!

Colt spends time and energy giving back to our local communities with over 14,000 hours volunteered delivered since the start of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme in 2009, under the theme of “Children and Education”. To date, Colt staff has raised over 150,000 Euros for charitable causes.

Teamwork beyond wind breakers

Of course none of our charitable endeavour is possible without great support throughout the organisation, and from our corporate partners. This year one of our key network partners, Infinera , again stepped up to the plate and agreed to sponsor the costs of the ride - enabling our riders to focus their efforts on fundraising. Huge thanks must also be made to the support crews who made sure the team stayed hydrated and fed.

A quick overview of our 4-day ride in order:

Day 1 – Paris to Peronne, 140 kms

An hour-long journey across Paris, before warming up for a first day. The Colt team was joined for the inaugural ride by Mark Ferrari, its Executive Committee CFO.

Day 2 – Peronne to Ghent, 160 kms

The longest distance though less hilly than Day 1’s route, the intrepid crew crosses the Belgium frontier.

Day 3 – From Gent to Oosterhout 150 kms

Enjoying crossing through Belgian countryside arriving in the forest just across the Dutch border.

Day 4 – From Oosterhout to Amsterdam, 130 kms

The final stretch – with windmills and Dutch waterways greeting the crew along the way -- at the final hurdle, where the team was met by all staff from Colt Amsterdam.

Our thanks to Infinera for assisting us once again this year – and here is to another great ride in 2014. Thanks again for your support - from all of us.