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‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

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‘Sport has the power to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela, 2000 Laureus World Sports Awards

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The Ride for Good - Chris Hoy completes Coast to Coast Challenge to raise vital funds for Laureus programmes

Coast to Coast Challenge
Chris Hoy led a group of fundraisers as they completed the Laureus Coast to Coast Challenge in Barcelona, after a gruelling 750km ride across Spain to raise vital funds for young people in underserved communities around the world.
The six-time Olympic champion guided a group of riders from San Sebastian on June 8, tackling breathtaking terrain and demanding climbs through the Pyrenees before arriving in Barcelona today in a celebration of endurance, unity and the life-changing power of sport.

Along the route, Hoy and his team connected with Laureus Sport for Good programmes and communities, shining a light on the stories behind the mission to use sport to create opportunities and change outcomes for young people facing adversity.

Having been joined by five-time Tour de France winner and Laureus Academy Member Miguel Induráin on the initial stages, Team Hoy completed their task accompanied by Chris’ fellow Laureus Academy Member, Steve Redgrave and Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team’s Driver Ambassador and Head of F1 Academy.
Hoy has been a Member of the Laureus World Sports Academy since 2017. He has visited and supported Laureus-supported programmes all over the world and in 2022 helped raise over $300,000 in the Laureus Challenge – a 100km trek across the United Arab Emirates. The Coast-to-Coast Challenge takes Chris’ fundraising efforts for Laureus Sport for Good well past $500,000. 

Since his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023, he has not only continued that commitment, but has used his endeavours and his profile to help raise awareness around a disease which is the most common cancer among men in the United Kingdom. 

"This has been an unforgettable journey – not just because of the distance or the challenge, but because of the people we’ve met and the stories we’ve heard along the way."

Chris Hoy - Laureus Academy Member
Hoy said: "We knew this wasn’t going to be easy and there were a few times that took me back to my toughest training days, but the reward is epic. We saw Laureus-supported programmes along the way and it was great that my team of fundraisers were able to connect with the kind of work we do.

"Thanks to the incredible effort of our riders and supporters, the funds we’ve raised will help create real opportunities for young people who need it most. This is the mission that drives me on, I believe I can make a difference and I hope there is a lot more to come soon.”
Steve Redgrave, five-time Olympic champion rower and a Laureus Academy Member, who joined the final stage, said: “What a privilege to join this great man on the final leg of his latest challenge. What Chris has achieved here goes far beyond cycling – it’s about inspiring action and delivering change.

"His commitment, especially in the face of his own personal challenges, is truly inspirational. He has brought people together for a cause that matters, and the impact of this ride will be felt for years to come.”

Jessica Hawkins added: “It’s an honour to team up with Sir Chris Hoy and play a small part in supporting Laureus, who share our values at Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team.”

Funds raised from the challenge will directly support Laureus Sport for Good projects across the globe, including initiatives backed by Fundación Laureus España in its 20th year, such as Fútbol Más, Kind Surf and Fundación Rafa Nadal. 


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