Skoda Australia Supports a Cyclist's Ultimate Test: Riding Across Australia

BOTANY, AUSTRALIA – September 25, 2009: Further to Škoda Australia’s involvement at the Around the Bay in a Day 2009, we are pleased to announce our support of Gary Harvey and his Break the Cycle Challenge.

Break the Cycle Challenge is a ride which aims to raise funds to help break the cycle of disadvantage for Aussie kids. Gary Harvey is Chief Executive Officer of ipac Wealth Management Asia and he is riding to raise more than $300,000 for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. This program provides disadvantaged Aussie kids with education and learning opportunities, thus helping to break the cycle of disadvantage.

Gary’s involvement with Around the Bay reaches back to 2000 when he heard about the annual cycling event and saw an opportunity to raise money for the program.

“I was so surprised when I realised the number of disadvantaged kids in Australia, I just never expected it to be so high in a developed country like Australia. There is also some personal satisfaction that you feel when giving something back to the community and conquering a new challenge,” said Gary.

“I don't really want to break my cycle - but I do want to break the cycle of disadvantage. This ride is all about making people realise the impacts of disadvantage on a child's life - and what we can do about it to make sure that every child in Australia has equal access to life's opportunities,” continued Gary.

Leaving on September 26 from Fremantle WA, Gary will travel 5500kms across the Nullarbor through Adelaide, up to Sydney and down to Melbourne where he will then go on to ride in Victoria’s Around the Bay on Sunday 18th October.

Škoda Australia is supporting Gary’s Break the Cycle Challenge by providing two vehicles which will follow him from Fremantle to Melbourne. The two vehicles supporting Gary through his journey will include the popular New Octavia diesel wagon and an Octavia Scout; both vehicles are compatible enough to help Gary through his tough Australian schedule and both have proven energy fuel efficiency and reliability.

For Gary, this year will be his 10th and last year participating in Around the Bay in a Day but he’s planning on making it particularly memorable one.

“My intention is to bow out with a bang!” Gary joked.

“I want to finish with Around the Bay in a Day – but only once I’ve cycled across Australia and raised more money for The Smith Family first!”