Chapters Hotel and Restaurant in Stokesley has sponsored the Fietsen Tempo Cycling Team and the money has been used to kit them out in smart new sportswear. The hotel's owner, former road race champion Steven Bell, has raced in both the UK and Belgium.
The team, founded by Michael Milen and 2005 North-East champion Chris Mark, is built around a core of veteran cyclists including Peter Stevenson, Kevin Byers, Yorkshire points champion Noel Clough and former Tottenham and Luton footballer Mitchell Thomas.
They plan to compete in all the local events on the British cycling calendar and will be riding in the Tour of the South East in June. They will also be travelling to Europe and competing in the World and European Veterans Championships.
In May, they will be riding coast to coast to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and local charities. Other races in the future include the Red Bull 24-hour Mountain Bike Race and the ultra-marathon event, Paris-Brest-Paris. Mr Milen said: "Everyone in the team is thrilled by the sponsorship from Steven Bell and we would all like to thank him for his valuable contribution and generous support."
