June 2, 2008 (Vancouver, QC) — The BC Cancer Foundation’s Westside Cycling Classic, presented by the Airey Group, started with Wedgewood Hotel General Manager Philip Meyer and his son Darius leading off the ride with members of the hotel’s cycling team followed by hundreds of other cyclists.

Meyer was one of the driving forces behind the event and rode the full 36km community ride with his good friend Axel Merckx, Trevor Linden, Alex Steida,and Olympians Derek Porter and Ross Rebagliati through Vancouver’s scenic Westside, and collectively raised $131,000 for cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency.

Riding for the Wedgewood Cycling Team, Darius Meyer (12 years old) helped the team becoming the top fundraising team by capturing the title of top youth fundraiser and contributing over $2,000 through his efforts.

The event sponsors, including The Airey Group, Haywood Securities and Volkswagen, covered all event expenses, making sure that all the funds raised by the riders will be used to further the Agency’s world-renowned research.

“It’s an opportunity to get out into the community and raise some very important dollars for the BC Cancer Foundation to fund BC Cancer Agency research, to prevent cancer and help save lives. It’s not only an enjoyable day; it’s serving a great cause,” Linden said.

“When you have someone close to you touched by cancer, you really want to contribute towards finding a cure,” added Merckx, whose mother-in-law has experienced the disease.

Premier Campbell, BC Cancer Agency President Dr. Simon Sutcliffe and BC Cancer Foundation Sr.Vice-President Nick Locke congratulated the participants, including top fundraiser Andrew Gregory, a testicular cancer survivor, who won an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2008 Tour de France.

Locke also thanked the many community residents who enthusiastically cheered on the riders, lined up for autographs from the celebrity athletes and enjoyed the street-festival atmosphere. Locke said he hopes to make the Westside Cycling Classic an annual community event.

The Wedgewood Hotel Cycling Team raises money for the BC Cancer Foundation throughout the year with its events in Vancouver such as The Westside Cycling Classic & Tour de Gastown more information on the team can be found at www.teamwedgewood.com or www.cycleforcancer.com

The BC Cancer Foundation, established in 1935, raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Public Health Services Authority that provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia.