Team ITFC’s 2016 London to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Town’s UEFA Cup win with a visit to the the Olympic Stadium where the final took place and the home of opponents AZ Alkmaar, while Terry Butcher and Russell Osman will be making the trip and there are plans to meet up with fellow legends Arnold Muhren and Frans Thijssen.
Next summer will be the third time the club has been involved in the London to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge, raising money for the Town Academy and Prostate Cancer UK.
In June this year 67 cyclists made up Team ITFC and raised £140,000. This time around team leader Simon Milton wants to bring that number up to 100.
Writing in the Academy Newsletter, Milton said: "Enthusiastic cyclists who took up the challenge last year have already registered their interest for 2016 but I need more people to come on board to take up the challenge.
"It is 267 miles in total over five days and you don’t have to be an elite cyclist to take part. Our most senior cyclist was 67 years old last year and was also a Prostate Cancer survivor. We also organise local training rides for the team so you will all be able to meet up and do some training together."
The former midfielder says that the details aren’t yet fully confirmed but outlined the plans: "This year’s event runs from 3rd to 7th of June and we will be celebrating the 35th anniversary of Ipswich Town winning the UEFA Cup in 1981 by visiting the Olympic Stadium where the final was played and also the home stadium of AZ Alkmaar.
"We will be joined by 1981 team members Terry Butcher and Russell Osman and have plans to meet with Arnold Muhren amd Frans Thijssen on the Sunday. It includes a friendly football match with AZ Alkmaar staff and fans as a celebration between both clubs. It is going to be an amazing event this year.
"Team ITFC is once again sponsored by John Reader from GAH Refrigeration. Warwick Dunnett from Seven Asset Management and James Robbins from Marshall Hatchick Solicitors have come on board as associate sponsors. There are more associate sponsors places available so please get in touch for more details. I am delighted they have all confirmed their support and attendance.”
As in previous years those taking part will have to raise £2,000 each with a registration fee of £149 per person.
If you want to reserve a place, register your interest or for further information, email teamitfc@itfc.co.uk.
Photo: ITFC