Members of the public are being encouraged to take part in a special bike ride on Friday March 7 to honour the life of Roy Nasr, who was killed by a drunk driver whilst riding near Safa Park in Dubai on September 6 last year.
Organisers of the event TriDubai, co-founded by Nasr before his death – are expecting more than 1,000 cyclists and are keen to have as many cyclists take part in ‘The Ride for Roy’ for what will be an emotional day.
A month after his death a triathlon memorial was held in October 2013, where hundreds of people took part and more are expected to take part in the 65km ride that will start and finish at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai at 07:30.
It will follow the route of some of Nasr’s favourite bike rides and will cross the bridge over Sheikh Zayed Road where he was killed.
Registration is Dh300 with the whole fee going to the education fund of Nasr’s two children.
The first 1,000 cyclists will receive a Castelli, special edition ‘Remember Roy Nasr’ TriDubai cycling top, with a retail value of Dh350, (paid by sponsors) which they will wear for the ride.
Whether you knew Nasr or not, taking part in the ride, which is open to everyone of all ages, will make a huge difference to his children’s education.
Registration can be made by visiting www.premieronline.com/ event/Ride_for_Roy.
The closing date is Wednesday March 5.
“The ‘Ride for Roy’ is a bike ride and not a race,” said Ian Le Pelley, who co-founded TriDubai with Nasr and is leading the team organising the ride.
“It is intended to honour Roy’s memory and to raise funds to help pay for the education costs of his two children.”
Nasr was an enormously talented triathlete who represented his native country, Lebanon, in races all over the world including the 2006 Asian Games and the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Florida, 2010.
He regularly found himself on the podium at races, claiming a bronze medal at the World Age Group Championships in China in 2011.
When not training or racing, Nasr often visited schools and colleges in Dubai to promote a healthy lifestyle and to encourage children to set themselves goals in life and to work hard to achieve their dreams, whatever they might be.
“Roy’s sporting achievements, as good as they were, don’t compare to the impact that he had on so many of the people who came into contact with him,” said Le Pelley. “It’s impossible to sum him up in words, but he was a huge physical and emotional force, whose love for sport and positive attitude to life was infectious.
"A fierce competitor when racing, he always had time for everyone – no matter their station in life – and this ride provides a perfect opportunity for people to honour his life.”
Paul Venn, co-organiser of the ride had known Nasr for more than 20 years and says the ride will be emotional for all.
“It’s a procession ride to honour a great person. I knew Roy for more than 20 years and he was fantastic at cycling. I never saw him get angry at anyone. He was always willing to mentor and help anyone that wanted help,” said Venn.
What: The Ride for Roy
When: Friday March 7
Where: Around Dubai, begins and finishes at Atlantis, the Palm
Contact: Register online at www.premieronline.com/event/Ride_ for_Roy or visit www.tridubai.org/ride-for-roy for more information.
