E-Tech Components’ Paul Forester Completes Cykelvasan Öppet Spår with Wibe Group
We’re proud to announce that E-Tech Components Managing Director, Paul Forester, has now completed the 95km Cykelvasan Öppet Spår in Sweden, combining a personal endurance challenge with an opportunity to strengthen E-Tech’s relationship with Wibe Group. Invited to Sweden by Wibe Group, Paul joined colleagues and industry peers from across the Wibe Group network for three days in Mora. This included a visit to Wibe Group’s headquarters, a factory tour, product presentations and the Cykelvasan challenge itself. For Paul, the 95km ride also had a purpose beyond the event. As Chair of Governors at Oakdene Primary Academy in Rainhill, he used the challenge to raise money towards the school’s new playground and outdoor facilities. As of Monday, 10th August, £3,112 has been raised from 89 donations. This is more than triple the original £1,000 target, putting the campaign within reach of its new £3,500 goal.
A Visit to Wibe Group in Mora
The experience began on Thursday, 6th August, with a welcome lunch at Wibe Group’s headquarters in Mora, Sweden. Paul and the group then toured the factory before attending a product news presentation. This provided an opportunity to learn more about Wibe Group’s operations and latest developments. After checking in at Mora Parken, the group attended a conference session with the CEO of Vasaloppet, receiving race information and completing their final preparations before dinner. The day provided valuable time for E-Tech and Wibe Group colleagues from across the organisation to meet in person, share knowledge and strengthen their working relationship.
95km Cykelvasan from Sälen to Mora
Friday (7th August) was race day! After breakfast, the group travelled by bus from Mora to the starting area in Sälen, with their bikes transported alongside them. At 11:20am, Paul and the other riders set off on the 95km Cykelvasan Öppet Spår. The route took them through Swedish forests and off-road trails, with climbs and challenging terrain testing the riders throughout the course. For Paul, reaching the start line represented months of preparation. Despite being a self-confessed non-cyclist, he had spent months training for the challenge, with plenty of early mornings and miles on the bike. There were some nerves before the start, but once the ride began, the focus was simple. Get through the 95km and enjoy the experience! The support and teamwork within the group helped make the challenge particularly memorable.
Reflecting on the experience afterwards, Paul said: “Really tough race for a non-cyclist but loved it and great atmosphere and teamwork from the whole gang.” Paul completed the full 95km before joining the rest of the group for a celebration dinner that evening.
Cycling for Oakdene Primary Academy
While completing Cykelvasan was a significant personal achievement, Paul’s main motivation was supporting Oakdene Primary Academy in Rainhill, part of the Wade Deacon Trust. As Chair of Governors, Paul has seen first-hand the limitations of the school’s current outdoor facilities. For many years, pupils have had limited access to dedicated outdoor play equipment and adventurous play opportunities. The school’s fundraising project aims to change that by creating a more engaging and inclusive outdoor environment where children can climb, balance, explore and take part in imaginative play.
Good-quality outdoor facilities can also support children’s physical, social and emotional development. This helps them build confidence, improve coordination and motor skills, develop teamwork and communication, and maintain an active lifestyle. “A great playground gives pupils the opportunity to build confidence, stay active and develop valuable social skills.” Paul’s challenge was therefore a way to combine a personal goal with a cause that directly benefits children in the local community.
£3,000+ Raised from the 95km Cykelvasan Öppet Spår
The fundraising campaign originally set a target of £1,000. As support grew, the target increased to £1,600, then £2,000 and £2,600. As of Monday, 10 August, £3,112 has been raised from 89 donations, with the current target standing at £3,500. Donations and messages of support have come from colleagues, customers, suppliers, friends and members of the local community. Every penny raised will go towards improving Oakdene’s playground and outdoor facilities, helping provide greater opportunities for current and future pupils. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Paul, donated to the fundraiser or encouraged him throughout his preparation and the event.
- “Awesome well done Paul” – Paul Woods (Managing Director, Proactive Despatch)
- “Great work and nice that you participated with us” – Pär Ermeryd (Market Development, Wibe Group)
- “Some effort that and a great cause” – Christian Conde (Head of Sales, Tech IP)
Strengthening the E-Tech and Wibe Group Partnership
The trip also provided E-Tech with the opportunity to spend time with Wibe Group colleagues outside of its usual day-to-day business relationship.
E-Tech works closely with Wibe Group to supply Cable Management and Support Solutions. This includes GRP Cable Ladders, Cable Trays and Support Systems for demanding applications where corrosion resistance and durability are important.
Visiting Wibe Group’s headquarters, learning about their latest products and meeting members of the international team gave E-Tech a valuable insight into the people and operation behind the products it supplies.
The Cykelvasan Öppet Spår experience added another dimension to that relationship, bringing colleagues together through a shared challenge and creating an opportunity to build stronger connections beyond the workplace.
Support the Oakdene Playground Fundraiser
While the 2026 Cykelvasan Öppet Spår is now over, the GoFundMe campaign remains open for anyone who would like to support Oakdene Primary Academy’s playground and outdoor facilities project.
- Current total: £3,112
- Target: £3,500
- Donations: 89
Every contribution will help create a better outdoor environment where Oakdene pupils can play, explore, develop and thrive.
E-Tech Components – Power. Connected.
E-Tech Components are a Specialist Distributor & Stockist of a comprehensive range of high-quality products. Our solutions save time, reduce costs, improve quality and ensure compliance to industry standards and regulations.
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- MV & HV Separable Connectors
- LV, MV & HV Cable Joints, Terminations, Accessories & Tools
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