Simon Jersey team on their bikes for Road to Rio

BMX world champion Liam Phillips has helped staff from Altham-based uniform provider Simon Jersey, official supplier to Team GB, get the wheels in motion for a challenge to cycle 9,395 kilometres.

Manchester-based Liam kick started the started the Road to Rio challenge which will see teams from around the business aim to pedal the distance between Altham and Rio ahead of the next Olympic Games which begin on 5th August 2016.

Simon Jersey staff and visitors will add to the total between now and the start of the Games by cycling on two exercise bikes that have been set up in the company’s reception area.

The company was announced as a supplier to Team GB for the Rio Olympic Games last year. It will provide suits to be worn at formal events in Rio and the UK as well as clothing for the closing parade which will be seen by nearly a billion people worldwide.

Warehouse senior team leader, Kiel James, came up with the idea for the cycling challenge. He said: “Being named as an official supplier to Team GB was exciting news for everyone in the business. The Road to Rio is a way to get everyone involved with the countdown to the games and it’s already encouraging some friendly competition among the teams. “It was fantastic to have a world champion cyclist give us his tips and to kick off the challenge.”