Elite, Extreme, Extraordinary

The UK’s leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, GEZE UK, has secured title sponsorship for a cult wheelchair race where the world’s elite athletes take part in an extreme test of endurance and daring.

GEZE UK has signed a brand new sponsorship deal to back the unique, high profile Tunnel 2K International, which forms part of NewcastleGateshead’s festivals and events events for 2007, managed by culture10 based at NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

GEZE UK’s managing director Andrew Hall said: “This is a unique international event that celebrates the power, passion and endurance of wheelchair athletes. GEZE UK specialises in automatic and assisted doors and windows that makes access – and life, easier for disabled people, so we felt this was an excellent opportunity to show our support for extraordinary athletes at a world-class event.”

Setting the global standard for advanced door and window technology, GEZE is dedicated to achieving equality of access for both able-bodied and disabled people. “Generally, people only notice a door or a window if it is not doing its job properly – if it’s stuck or broken. But for many disabled people, especially those in wheelchairs, the type of door they encounter is much more important,” added Andrew Hall.

“Accessing the built environment can be an everyday challenge and government legislation now requires that all businesses and public buildings address accessibility for all. It’s increasingly important to have the right type of door, which is why GEZE UK has a team of experts to offer advice as well as a high-quality range of automatic and assisted products.”
Taking place on Friday September 28, 2007, thirty elite competitors including Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Australian Kurt Fearnley, Paralympic hopeful Mickey Bushell and British world record holder David Weir will tackle the 2km course through the Tyne Tunnel, reaching incredible speeds of up to 50mph.

The course starts at the Tunnel’s south end with a 100m sprint to the entrance portal. Within seconds, muscle power alone takes the Olympic standard, state of the art racing chairs smashing through the Tunnel’s 30mph hour speed limit on the 1km downhill section. Then it’s a bicep-burning 1km uphill to the finish line.

Organiser David Burdus, an ex-road wheelchair racer, commented: “GEZE UK’s sponsorship is a great boost for the event and we’re delighted to join forces with a company whose commitment to improving access in public buildings is matched only by its expertise. You won’t find an event like this anywhere else in the world and this sponsorship really helps to place the athletes and the sport in a strong position as we approach 2012.

“The GEZE Tunnel 2K International is sport at the extreme. Travelling at 45mph with only a thin sheet of canvas separating your backside from tunnel tarmac is one hell of an adrenaline rush!”