to help save lives
A Formula One test racing driver is preparing himself for a completely new sporting challenge - the Olympic-distance Mazda London Triathlon on Sunday 2 August 2009. Lucas Di Grassi will be raising money for the charity Leukaemia Research, which is dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Lucas Di Grassi, 24, is the official test driver for the Renault Formula One team and is one of five members of the Renault Driver Development programme. He admits that his day-to-day training gives him a big advantage when it comes to triathlons. He said: "It's very important to be physically fit and mentally alert to do a race - it's hard to see a driver having a successful F1 career if he is not physically prepared."
"I haven't needed to put in too much extra effort to train for the triathlon, but there's still a difference to the skills needed in driving. I love competition, so doing a triathlon is the best way to push yourself and find your limits, while having a lot of fun."
Lucas is taking on the hardest level available at the London event - the Olympic-distance triathlon, which consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. He is running as part of Leukaemia Research's 'Banana Army' triathlon team, so called because of their yellow t-shirts.
Lucas has personal reasons for supporting Leukaemia Research. He said: "It is very important to help the charity in any way we can. A very close person to me is fighting against leukemia so I decided to join and give my support to as many people as I can in the fight against this disease. I hope more and more people join us."
Lucas has raised money for the charity before, taking part in the Mazda Blenheim Triathlon with the Banana Army in June.
The Banana Army raised over £100,000 from the 2008 Mazda London Triathlon and the team are hoping to beat that total this year.
You can support Lucas' triathlons by visiting his online fundraising site original.justgiving.com/lucasdigrassi
About Leukaemia Research1. Leukaemia Research is the only national charity devoted exclusively to improving treatments, finding cures and learning how to prevent leukaemia, Hodgkin's and other lymphomas, myeloma and the other related blood disorders, diagnosed in 24,500 people in the UK every year. Further information, including patient information booklets, is available from www.lrf.org.uk or call 020 7405 0101.
2. Over the next five years, Leukaemia Research urgently needs to raise over £100 million to commit to new research across the UK. From basic laboratory research to clinical trials with patients, Leukaemia Research is committed to saving lives by funding high quality, carefully selected research throughout the UK.
3. Leukaemia Research's celebrity-packed 'Banana Army' running team, so called because of their distinctive yellow t-shirts, is supported by TVTimes and Adidas. For more information on the Banana Army visit www.banana-army.com.
