ISN invites cyclists to ride out coronavirus lockdown at home

For each participant that takes part in Sunday's cycling series, a KN95 protective mask will be donated in their name via ISN minority co-owner Dr. Kevin Ham.

By ZACHARY KEYSER
ISN rider Alex Dowsett (photo credit: BETTINI PHOTO)
ISN rider Alex Dowsett
(photo credit: BETTINI PHOTO)
Israel-based professional cycling team Israel Start-Up Nation (ISN), is welcoming fans across the world to participate in a series of live online guided rides - the next episode in the series will be led by UK former one-hour speed record holder Alex Dowsett, German-rider Andere Greipel and Israeli champion Guy Sagiv on Sunday.
The ISN ride is not only meant to be a way to help cycling enthusiasts pass the time while people worldwide are confined to their homes, as coronavirus lockdowns grip nations worldwide, the series is also attempting to assist in procuring masks for hospitals around the world.
For each participant that takes part in Sunday's cycling series, a KN95 protective mask will be donated in their name via ISN minority co-owner Dr. Kevin Ham.
“There are shortages everywhere,” explained Dr. Kevin Ham, adding “We will certainly try to deliver one of the next shipments to places like New York.”
Last week's episode garnered over 1,000 particpants, which subsequently helped deliver 1,500 KN95 masks to four hospitals in the Greater Vancouver area.
“By staying at home and training indoors we are making our small contribution to this fight. This donation can make a huge difference to the front line staff risking their lives to save others," said ISN’s Irish rider Dan Martin.
Team owner Sylvan Adams, who has overseen the team's success into a world tour team with a bid in the 2020 Tour de France as long as the coronavirus outbreak doesn't affect the start day, will be joining Sunday's ride as well alongside Israel's top riders.
“As we are not racing these days, the Israel Start-up Nation team is trying to stay physically active, with riders striving to keep their fitness for when racing re-starts. In Israel, we are not even allowed to ride outdoors. This is why ISN has created these indoor virtual rides, to connect with each other and also with our many fans and supporters," Adams said.
"And, there is a higher purpose: these rides will provide protective equipment to front line health workers, that has been generously donated by my partner, Kevin Ham."
Sunday's ride will begin at 4:30pm IST. Fans with ‘Smart’ trainer-devices can join the ride on their own bikes through their phones, TV, or iPad screens. More information can be found on the ISN Facebook page.