AMY’S RIDE

Australia’s international superstars of cycling have confirmed they will be turning out to support this year’s Portfolio Partners South Bank to Surfers Paradise Amy’s Ride Queensland on Saturday, 9 December.

Portfolio Partners is the new naming rights sponsor for this popular event on the Queensland Cycling Grand Prix program which showcases our cycling hero’s who battle it out around the cosmopolitan districts of South Bank in Brisbane and Cavill Mall at Surfers Paradise.

Portfolio Partners are certainly no strangers to cycling, sponsoring four rides in Victoria, The Great Melbourne Bay Ride (42km), The Classic (100km), The Legend (250km) and The Around the Bay Challenge (210km) which raises funds for The Smith Family and attracted 9,800 riders last year.

They are also active participants in cycling and encourage staff, clients and the broader community to get involved in this exciting cycling event.  With 50km and 100km ride options, there is a ride suited to everyone.

“Portfolio Partners Investment Managers is proud to be this year’s naming rights sponsor of the Portfolio Partners South Bank to Surfers Paradise ride.  At Portfolio Partners, we are passionate about promoting cycling in the community and supporting worthwhile causes, like the Amy Gillett Foundation. Managing Director, and fellow cycling enthusiast, Craig Bingham said “We are excited to be a part of this year’s Surfers Paradise Cycling Grand Prix. Not only is this event a great opportunity for friends, families and colleagues to participate in a fun day and take in the Gold Coast sights, it is an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the Amy Gillett Foundation - a charity close to any cyclist’s heart”.

The event will also double as a signature fund raising event for the Amy Gillet Foundation (AGF). Organisers are hoping to attract 2000 plus participants to this mass participation ride which will start at South Bank and wind its way down to Surfers Paradise. There will be a compulsory drink/feeding stop at Yatala where riders that are not keen on doing the full 100km can begin a 50km option.  The event will finish in downtown Surfers Paradise with coffee and breakfast waiting to feed the hungry competitors, entertainment and a compound to keep all those very expensive machines.

Three time winner of the Sprinters Green Jersey at the Tour de France Robbie McEwen is just one of the super stars you can expect to ride with along with some keen Brisbane Lions cyclists.

Melinda Jacobsen from The Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) is delighted to be involved in the Portfolio Partners South Bank to Surfers ride. Queensland’s Amy’s Ride provides the opportunity for the AGF to promote its message of a safe and harmonious relationship between cyclists and motorists and the importance of mutual respect when sharing the road. Formula One driver, Mark Webber, and celebrated cyclist, Phil Anderson, co-patrons of the AGF are committed to the Foundation’s message that the road belongs to everyone. We all have an important role to play when using the roads and that is to be responsible every time we head out. Funds raised will assist the AGF progress programs in the areas of education, research and awareness.

“The ride will be an exciting new addition to the program for the entire cycling community to get involved with and unique chance to ride with the some  best cyclists in the world,” said event organizer Geoff Meyer.

“The support we have received so far has been overwhelming, from sponsors, stakeholders and cyclists keen to be part of this event,” said Meyer.

The events at South Bank (3 December 2006) and Surfers Paradise (9/10 December) also include a Corporate Challenge open to any keen cyclist, B and C Grade races for the more experienced, Women’s event, and a corporate hospitality area to indulge and watch the race right on the finish line.

Portfolio Partners is a Melbourne-based fund manager responsible for managing approximately $10 billion in funds. Since inception in 1994, Portfolio Partners has developed a strong reputation as a leading specialist in the active management of Australian assets – equities, fixed income and listed property. Portfolio Partners is a firm believer in the benefits of healthy living and sponsoring worthwhile causes, and see cycling as a great way to do both. We are proud sponsors of a number of leading community bike rides on the Australian cycling calendar, including Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day, Portfolio Partners MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride, Portfolio Partners Sydney Spring Cycle and Portfolio Partners South Bank to Surfers Paradise ride.

Portfolio Partners is owned by London-based Morley which is part of the international investments and insurance group Aviva plc.

Visit us at: www.portfoliopartners.com.au

For further information on the 2006 Grand Prix Cycling Series visit www.usmevents.com.au or phone (07) 5449 0711.