My Story
My name is Guido De Wilde and I’ve lived in The Middle East for the past 16 years, working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International. As a passionate cyclist, I co-founded the ‘Road To Awareness’ in 2008, an annual charity bike ride which to date has raised over ten million dollars.
In 2020, I was diagnosed with stage four cancer, which took me on a year-long journey of tests, treatment and surgery. Throughout my treatment in the UAE, I had the utmost trust in the medical team guiding me along the road to recovery. Today I’m healthy again and would like to give something back.
With this in mind, myself and a group of cycling friends will cycle from my home country of Belgium down to Italy to raise much needed funds for the Al Jalila Foundation in the fight against cancer and to inspire others who are going through their own treatments.
Why I Started
World Class Treatment
From the day I was diagnosed with cancer, I had complete trust in the medical team and facilities here in the UAE, which motivated me to start my treatment as soon as possible. I was extremely well taken care of by a multidisciplinary team of specialists and caring nursing team for whom I will be forever grateful.
Healthy Body & Mind
One thing that almost certainly helped me to recover quickly was my overall fitness from a lifetime of playing sport and cycling. With this in mind, the Cycle Against Cancer seems like the perfect way for me to help raise money for the fight against this indiscriminate disease.
Passion for Cycling
I cycled everywhere as a kid and followed the professional races such as the Tour De France and Giro d’Italia, when the Belgian rider Eddy Merckx dominated the cycling world. Cycling brings people together, it helps me to stay healthy and is a great way to relieve stress at the same time.
Positive Message
As well as raising money for a worthy cause, the Cycle Against Cancer sends a message of hope to other cancer patients and survivors that there is a healthy life after cancer. I hope it inspires others to get over the initial shock of the diagnosis and stay positive with an “I will get over this” attitude.
The Challenge
THE ROUTE
Over the 7 days, the team will cover 1,200 kms with 14,000 height meters. It will be an endurance ride, long, hard and challenging with the objective to raise funds that will help people in need with a better way to experience this world and give them a better quality of life. The focus of the Al Jalila Foundation on saving lives will drive us forward.
DAY 1
168.06 KM / 2506 M ELEVATION
We will set off from Waterloo, known for the decisive battle in which Napoleon was finally defeated. From there we will ride to the Ardennes and the town of Bastogne to pay our respects to those who lost lives in the ‘Battle of the Bulge’.
DAY 2
216.60 KM / 1831 M ELEVATION
From Bastogne, we will cross the border into France and ride to the historic city of Verdun. During World War I, Verdun saw what is described as “the longest, bloodiest and most ferocious battles” of the war, with combined casualties of approximately 750,000 between February and December, 1916.
DAY 3
181.23 KM / 1580 M ELEVATION
On day three we will cross the scenic and mountainous region Vosges region to the city of Mulhouse. In the Vosges we will climb Le Grand Ballon to 1,424m, the highest mountain in the region, a challenging pass which was first used in the ‘Tour De France’ in 1969, and on several occasions since.
DAY 4
162.39 KM / 2130 M ELEVATION
From Mulhouse in France, we will cross the border into Switzerland. The ride will take us via Langenthal to the city of Lucerne, famous for the country’s fourth largest lake. It’s also the place where, according to legend, William Tell shot an apple off his son’s head with a bow and arrow to save them both.
DAY 5
180.34 KM / 2409 M ELEVATION
Another long day connecting Lucerne with Bellinzona, with close to 175 kms and over 2,300 height meters. This will be hard day as we cross the famous Gotthard Pass, 2106 m, also called “The King of the Mountain Passes” and known for its old paved road. The pass connects northern with southern Switzerland. We will start the day along the Lake of Lucerne but will then enter the mountains passing the mountain village Andermatt located at an altitude of 1437 meters above sea level, crossing the Gotthard Pass to then ride via Biasca into Bellinzona, the town that is famous for its three castles (Castelgrande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro) that have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. It is early May and being high in the mountains, the weather conditions may make this day even harder.
DAY 6
122.66 KM / 1359 M ELEVATION
Day six will take us from Bellinzona via the well-known cities of Lugano and Como to our final destination of Bergamo in the Lombardy region of Italy. Rich in cycling history, Bergamo is closely associated with the great Italian Cyclist Felice Gimondi, winner of all three major Tours (France, Italy, Spain).
DAY 7
162 KM / 3050 M ELEVATION
On day seven, we will ride with thousands of other cyclists in the ‘Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi’, an annual cycling event named and staged in Gimondi’s honour. Taking place around Bergamo, this will also be the final leg of our Cycle Against Cancer, with the fight against cancer driving us towards the finish line.
The Riders & Support Team
Luc Vercruyssen
For me, this Cycle Against Cancer is a battle for survival. I am participating because I want to support all those suffering from this terrible decease, more specifically my wife Chris who survived breast cancer some 15 years ago and of course my good friend Guido who got through colon cancer only two years ago.
Wim Tavernier
Cancer is a disease that unfortunately is never far away. Everyone knows someone who is affected by it. Unfortunately, my family is not immune either. However, the progress in treatments is phenomenal, the chances of survival and the quality of life after treatment are increasing all the time. But there is still so much to understand. And not everyone has access to the necessary care. Any initiative to bring this to the attention can only be encouraged! A goal for which I would gladly push my best cycling legs!
Filip De Grauwe
I know Guido very well and we have been friends for a long time. I know what he went through and want to support him in his effort to deliver a message of hope to anyone who fights this terrible disease. I also have members of my family that have been confronted with the disease. I realize that getting the diagnosis changes someone’s world and that going through the treatments and the uncertainty demands strength and courage.
Walter Roelants
Like most of us, I know people – friends and relatives – who suffer or died from this disease. I wholeheartedly support all initiatives that put the fight against cancer in the picture.
Servee Palmans
Over the past decade I have actively engaged with multiple foundations and great individuals in raising awareness via sports for physical and mental health issues. Cancer and mental well-being specifically have my attention as it has too often touched my immediate friends, colleagues, and family. Charitable funding contributes toward finding cures for these terrible diseases.
Jan Dhont
A journey on the bike is a great metaphor for the journey of life. One week on the road, biting through the pain, enjoying the changing landscapes and sharing great moments with friends. A fantastic way to support this initiative and help fight cancer!
Filip Lauwers
Being able to exercise your favourite hobby in the best conditions, pushing your limits and at the same time supporting a commendable initiative. Best of both worlds.
Guido De Wilde
In 2020, I was diagnosed with stage four cancer. To support the Al Jalila Foundation and their efforts to accelerate cancer research and improve cancer, I am organizing a challenging 1,200 kms bike ride from Brussels to Bergamo. It is also a ride to mark my recovery and a journey of hope to all that are fighting cancer.
Tim Derry
When Guido first told his touching story and plan to ‘Cycle Against Cancer’, I immediately wanted to help in any way I could, and as a keen cyclist I’m looking forward to the challenge. My own sister died of cancer at a young age and so for me the journey will also be in her memory, in the hope that we can one day we can find a cure for this cruel disease.
Umesh Mistry
Videographer
Rudy Braeckman
Support Team
Mark Ballet
Support Team
Paul Burm
Support Team
Al Jalila Foundation
The main objective of the Cycle Against Cancer is to support the Al Jalila Foundation in their efforts to accelerate cancer research and improve cancer treatment.
Al Jalila Foundation, a global healthcare philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives, was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai in April 2013, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.
Al Jalila Foundation supports medical treatment for individuals unable to afford quality healthcare; provides scholarships to nurture a home-grown generation of medical professionals and supports ground-breaking research that addresses health challenges prevalent in the region: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, mental health and COVID-19.
With cancer incidences increasing and the need for charity patient support, Al Jalila Foundation is establishing the first comprehensive cancer charity hospital in the UAE ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’ bringing together leading expertise to manage prevention, diagnosis and treatment under one roof. The hospital is set to open in 2024 with a vision to redefine cancer in the UAE.
FAQs
The Cycle Against Cancer is entirely self-funded, to ensure that 100% of your donations go directly to the Al Jalila Foundation, to be used in the fight against cancer.
The main objective is to raise funds to support the Al Jalila Foundation’s work in the field of cancer research, cancer treatment for those who can’t afford it, guiding patients throughout their cancer journey and the construction of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, which is planned to open in 2024.
Click on the ‘Donate’ button at the top of this page which will take you through the Al Jalila Foundation’s donation page. Remember to select ‘Cycle Against Cancer’ in the drop down menu.
You can also donate through Hopasports website by following this link: https://www.hopasports.com/en/guido
Follow My Journey
Get In Touch
We would love to hear from you if you are cycling enthusiast, cancer warrior or are interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities.
Please contact Guido De Wilde to discuss sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Guido De Wilde
Email: gedewilde1@gmail.com
Phone: +971 50 552 4905