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A city famous for its skyscrapers will have a striking new architectural feature in May when the UK Red Empire State 500 rides into Manhattan.
The riders on Rugby League Cares’s epic fundraising adventure will cycle from Niagara Falls to New York City in a stunning kit designed by multi award-winning architectural practice – and Empire State 500 Principal Partners – Studio SDA Architects.
Studio SDA Architects have harnessed the talents of their team of top designers to create the official ride kit, which is based on a stars and stripe design to reflect the American theme of the ride, and incorporates the RL Cares logo in the alternative jersey.
Simon Lewis-Pierpoint, the Managing Director and co-founder of Studio SDA Architects, will again take to the saddle as a member of the Empire State 500 peloton, having completed the UK Red Ride to Wembley from the north of England with RL Cares in both 2018 and 2019.
“As a practice we have been commissioned to create some of the most exclusive luxury properties in the world with some of the most talented and driven architects the industry has to offer.
“Our architects have risen to the challenge of producing the bespoke kit for the Empire State 500. It’s a fantastic fundraising challenge and we think the kit captures the energy and excitement of the event.
“Studio SDA Architects are delighted to support the ride as its Principal Partner. RL Cares does an excellent job across the whole sporting arena and their funds raised will make a real, positive difference to the lives of many people, including the playing community.”
Simon, a former Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls player who played his junior rugby in his hometown of Halifax, will join 21 other riders, including ex-England, Great Britain, Bradford and South Sydney star Sam Burgess, on the UK Red Empire State 500.
Head of RL Cares Chris Rostron said: “Simon and his team have done an outstanding job on designing the ride kit and we are delighted to have Studio SDA Architects on board as Principal Partners of the UK Red Empire State 500.
“Simon and Studio SDA Architects have been great supporters of the charity with their involvement in the Ride to Wembley in 2018 and 2019 and we’re delighted that they are continuing our special partnership.”
After attending the Toronto Wolfpack v St Helens fixture on Saturday May 2, the riders will set off from the shadow of the famous Niagara Falls bound for Central Park on a 500-mile off-road cycling challenge.
Over the next four days they will follow the path of the Erie Canal through the historic heart of the Iroquois nation to Albany before heading south through the Catskill mountains and along the Hudson River, arriving in Central Park, Manhattan, on the afternoon of Friday May 8.
Studio SDA Architects were awarded the Northern Design Awards ‘Best Residential Architecture Practice for three consecutive years in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and won Best Residential Architecture Concept in both 2016 and 2017.
To support the work of Rugby League Cares, please sponsor Simon by clicking here
