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Unique Paris-Roubaix items auctioned for UM brain injury research

Anyone who watched the Paris-Roubaix cycling race last weekend could hardly have missed it: the black-pink-and-yellow 'brain' helmets of Team Jumbo-Visma. The cyclists wore the specially designed helmets by Lazer to draw attention to the use of a bike helmet, as part of the 'Use your head' awareness campaign. Because despite the fact that it has been compulsory for pros to wear helmets since 2003, many recreational cyclists still cycle around unprotected, with all the - sometimes even fatal - consequences.

"This campaign brings up a very nice memory, because my father said 'Use your head' to me before every race. He is no longer alive now unfortunately, but he was my very biggest fan. It is very special to ride now with a helmet that reminds me so strongly of my father." – Coryn Labecki, cyclist Team Jumbo-Visma

The helmets and jerseys are currently being auctioned through Match Worn Shirt. Much to the delight of Marcel Aries, founder of the Brain Battle Fund where the proceeds will go. The fund carries out pioneering research into severe brain injury and is managed by Universiteitsfonds Limburg, the external charity foundation of Maastricht University where the research takes place. 

This Sunday between 09.00 - 09.30, the cheque will be handed over on the market in Maastricht during the Amstel Gold Race, during the presentation of the Jumbo women's team. 

About the Brain Battle Fund

Brain injuries really can happen to anyone. After a reanimation, brain haemorrhage or serious accident, brains can suddenly become severely damaged, with huge consequences. Many patients with severe brain injury lie in the intensive care unit of Maastricht UMC+, and despite intensive treatment, more than 60% leave the hospital severely disabled. For more than 25 years, there has been no progress in the treatment of severe, acute traumatic brain injury. 
 

High time for a breakthrough! That is why the Brain Battle Fund is raising money to start a large-scale research project for an innovative treatment method.

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