One hundred cyclists representing the Jamaica Cycling Federation (JCF) will set off on a 140-mile journey from Kingston to Negril tomorrow morning beginning at 5:00 a.m. to raise funds to support the work of the Jamaica Cancer Society and the Rockhouse Foundation.

The phenomenal success of Lance Armstrong, who has won the Tour de France seven times and is himself a cancer survivor, is a contributing factor to the JCF selecting the Jamaica Cancer Society to benefit from this year's race.

Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, through its product Gatorade, is the title sponsor for this event. The support of Gatorade and other sponsors enables the JCF to ensure that the maximum net proceeds of the sponsorships of the individual cyclists actually go to the two charities. This year's goal is to raise $600,000.

The participants in the event are primarily amateur cyclists. The group, which includes cyclists from South Florida and other parts of the United States, will ride for up to 15 hours to complete the course which starts at the Washington Boulevard/Molynes Road intersection and passes through Old Harbour, May Pen, Mandeville, Santa Cruz and Sav-la-Mar before finishing at the Negril Marine Park.

The cyclists will be rehydrated throughout the course by Gatorade at four refreshment stops.

Pat Smalling, representing the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, will brief the cyclists on the importance of rehydration before they embark on the course.

The JCF and Pepsi-Cola Jamaica anticipate that in addition to raising awareness of the needs of the two charities and encouraging public support of their work, the event will also promote a positive image of the sport of cycling and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.