Five nations cycle

A group of eight cyclists are planning on cycling through the five nations of the British Isles this summer to raise money for Cancer Research U.K.
Philip Hayton, a first year Sport and Exercise Science student, wanted a new challenge this summer so he teamed up with experienced cyclist Chris Bell, a first year civil engineering student, and a fellow Sport and Exercise Science student Daniel Kirby to plan the 600-mile trip.
The team of eight cyclists will set off in Cardiff on the 25 July and their seven day cycle will take them through Ludlow, Preston, Dumfries, Belfast before completing the challenge in Dublin, where they will be celebrating Daniel’s thirtieth birthday. The team will be supported by two female third year Physiotherapy students who will be transporting their equipment in a van.
Two years ago Philip was in an accident where he fractured his hand so has not started training until recently, unsurprisingly his greatest fear is crashing during the trip.
However, Daniel is apprehensive about not coping with the 90 mile a day average, which will be needed to complete the challenge. Cycling six to eight hours a day will require the riders to consume 7,000 calories each day. Chris, on the other hand, is more worried about the prospect of saddle sores. However, they are not concerned by the risk of poor British weather joking that it will only “add to the challenge!”
They have recently started training around Leeds, building up the miles gradually before the ride. However, their training will only really begin once they have found corporate sponsorship towards the cost of the road bikes needed.
Cancer Research U.K. is the charity of their choice because, as Chris Bell puts it “most people know someone who’s been affected by cancer.” They are hoping to raise at least £5,000 through donations and fundraising. One event planned is a sponsored wax where Philip will be parting with his chest hair. They also hope to raise money by using their leg muscles to power a cinema. For more information go to facebook.com/2wheels5nations. You can sponsor the team through justgiving.com/2wheels5nations.