The reigning European champion is already preparing for the defence of its title in Ostend in May — and will be led by an MD and Band President who are sure to be in the peak of physical as well as musical fitness.

Fund raising

With Cory making a record seventeenth consecutive appearance at the event, Philip Harper and Morgan Jones will lead their musical as well as fund-raising campaign by cycling all the way to Belgium.

Philip told 4BR: "Although the unbroken sequence of appearances is testament to the band's consistency, getting 35 people overseas for a three-night trip takes its toll on finances and, now that the band has no major cash sponsor, this tends to cast a financial shadow over the rest of the year whilst we pay off the bills!"

Ambassadors

He added: "Unlike many other leading bands at the event, representatives from Wales receive no financial help or subsidy whatsoever from any national bodies or organisations — although not through want of asking, I have to say!

We feel that we are being ambassadors for the region and the country, but still it remains Cory's responsibility to foot the entire bill year after year when other competitors receive thousands of pounds of support from national bodies."

Love of cycling

Phil revealed that the idea to take a lead on the fundraising campaign came after he found out that he and the Band President also shared a love of cycling.

"Morgan Jones has always been 'hands-on' with the band, and after sharing our interest in cycling he came up with the idea to raise money by cycling nearly 400 miles from Wales to Ostend — hopefully arriving in time for the contest.

As I have to prepare the band for Ostend, Morgan will be doing the bulk of the distance — although I will ride 80 miles from my home to band practice one night in the lead-up to competition to do my bit!"

As I have to prepare the band for Ostend, Morgan will be doing the bulk of the distance — although I will ride 80 miles from my home to band practice one night in the lead-up to competition to do my bit!Philip Harper

Rehearsal rub down

Philip will take to the saddle on Tuesday 25th April to ride from Gloucester to Treorchy and then take a full rehearsal (a rub-down will be provided to ensure he can then stand in front of the band), before the following morning, Morgan and three colleagues from his cycling club, Clwb Beicio'r Eifl (CBE) — Arwel Griffiths, Paul Williams, Stephen Jones — will leave South Wales to head for Ostend by Friday 28th April.

Help

A Just Giving page has been created, so if you wish to help, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/coryeuroscycle