York St John Design Student Brings the Tour de France to York Early

A York St John University student has been chosen as the winner of this year’s British Heart Foundation competition to design a t-shirt that will be worn by all those taking part in the 2013 Heart of York (HOY) bike ride this September.

Joe Farmer, a 19 year old Product Design student originally from Leeds, won the competition with a design inspired by his love for cycling. In addition to having his design printed on the HOY t-shirts, Joe will also be given the honour of leading out the bike ride, wearing a Tour de France inspired yellow jersey version of his t-shirt, accompanied by two friends.

Joe said, "I’m delighted to have won the competition and can’t wait to see my design being worn by hundreds of cyclists at this year’s event".

Phil McMahon, BHF York Committee Vice Chair and Event Organiser, said: "We’re really pleased with Joe’s design, it will be a great memento for those taking part, the HOY travels through some stunning countryside and it’s fitting that we now have a stunning T-shirt design to match. Let’s hope Joe isn’t the only British Yellow Jersey holder to race through the streets of York in the coming years!"

The 2013 British Heart Foundation (BHF) Heart of York (HOY) Bike Ride is officially open for registration so anyone hoping to take part needs to act quickly.

This year, the event which offers cyclists aged 14 and over the choice of a 22 mile or 40 mile on road route through some of North Yorkshire’s finest countryside and moorland, takes place on Sunday 1 September. Both routes start from the new York St John University Sports Centre Nestlé Rowntree Park (Haxby Road).

The Heart of York Bike Ride raises funds for the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal, an initiative that promises to literally mend the damaged hearts of those who suffer heart failure after an attack. This research could transform the lives of the three quarters of a million people living with heart failure in the UK.

The event is being organized by the BHF York Fundraising Committee in partnership with York St John University, the City of York Council, and Just 30. Cycle Street (York), will once again be on hand to provide maintenance support throughout the bike ride.