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Delta TechOps recently held its ninth annual Ride 4 the Fight event, raising more than $17,000 for cancer research. The charity cycling event was started in 2017 by Emiel Akkermans, Maintenance Manager at Delta’s Amsterdam (AMS) station, after he lost a close friend to cancer. Supported by Jerry Allen, Senior Vice President of Delta TechOps Operations, the first ride took place in Brussels with about 75 cyclists completing a route from Brussels to Amsterdam.
This year’s event on September 27 saw participation grow to 150 riders—the largest group in the event’s history. Cyclists came from various departments across Delta Air Lines and represented over ten stations worldwide, including JFK, SEA, BOS, ATL, MSP, DUB, FRA, AMS, SLC, DTW and MSP. Participants could choose from four different routes; the longest covered just over 100 miles (185 kilometers), marking Delta’s centennial year.
The ride passed through Nijmegen in the Netherlands and included scenic routes across Dutch landscapes and historical World War II sites. Some segments even crossed into Germany. Riders wore custom Delta Centennial jerseys provided by co-sponsor EV Cargo and used bikes supplied by Tomas Planken and Joy Rides rentals. Food and drinks were provided by Gate Gourmet.
