Wattbike 24hr Record Attempt
Children in Need Inspires Cycling World Record Attempt at ASDA stores
Posted: 13 Nov 2008
Endurance athlete, Neil Rhodes, will attempt to set a new world record for static cycling this Friday and Saturday, 14/15th November for BBC Children in Need. The challenge will take place at ASDA in West Bridgford as part of their efforts to raise 20,000GBP for charity.
Rhodes, who will celebrate his 51st birthday on Saturday whilst attempting the record, has completed extraordinary challenges such as running an arctic marathon and becoming the first Englishman to run across the Alps and the Rockies back-to-back. He has already made it to the record books on several occasions.
On Friday he will ride one of the revolutionary new Wattbikes for 24 hours. The bike has been developed with some of the top coaches and sports scientists from the world-beating British Cycling team. The record attempt is possible because all Wattbikes are calibrated identically, meaning that people can compete on a like-for-like basis.
Rhodes commented: "When people suggest different sorts of challenges I just don't know how to say no! People might think I possess super human fitness, but I just know how to keep plodding along. I've trained on bikes before but never for this long; this will be something completely new to me."
The father of two, who currently lives in Yeovil, Somerset, has strong motivation to maintain his super-human fitness after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage five years ago.
He said: "I was given just a 7% change of survival and woke up thanks to the fantastic efforts of my doctors and my fitness levels. They say I was always going to have the haemorrhage at some point, but I survived against the odds."
"Now I'm driven to stay fit and help raise money for charity through the challenges I take on. Children in Need is a fantastic charity and I'd welcome anyone in the area to come along to Asda on Friday to support me and our fundraising efforts."
Paul Dennis, store manager at ASDA commented: "We're delighted to be hosting this event. Fitness and healthy eating is a key focus for us and this is a fantastic opportunity to work with colleagues and customers on a fun event that will help raise lots of money for Children in Need."
Members of the public are welcome to come to ASDA in West Bridgford on Friday and Saturday to support Neil, ASDA staff and other local businesses taking part in the challenge. Bikes are available to book through nik.emmonds@perfectmotion.org or test your power against scores set previously by triple Olympic Champion Chris Hoy for a minimum donation of 1GBP. You can also pledge donations through nik.emmonds@perfectmotion.org.
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