Published: Thursday, 29th May, 2008 08:10
Sister’s death spurs Roger on
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CYCLIST Roger Telford raised £700 for charity by successfully completing the gruelling Etape Caledonia 80-mile cycle race.
Mr Telford, a 40-year-old chartered surveyor from Briery Meadow, decided to enter the UK’s toughest cycling endurance challenge following the death last November, from bowel cancer, of his Whitehaven-based sister Elaine, at the age of 53.
The route, which started and finished in Pitlochry town centre, took in Loch Tay, Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch.
It is the only UK cycle event in which all the roads are closed to traffic for its duration.
“I wanted to help boost funds for cancer research, in particular the new Bowel Cancer UK helpline, which is staffed by specialist nurses,” said Mr Telford, whose employer Cala Properties sponsored him to the tune of £600.
“I had done two triathlons in the past, and I have kept myself in reasonable condition, but this was still a tough challenge to undertake, as I had never cycled more than 50 miles in one day before.”
His training schedule for the big race featured 30-mile round trips from his home to Newcraighall Station to catch the train to work in Edinburgh.
He was forced to go it alone when training partner Alastair Dickie tore his calf muscle during a 50-mile circuit of the Lammermuirs in poor weather last month.
Mr Telford, who took up cycling three years ago after hanging up his rugby boots, shed four pounds in weight preparing for the May 18 race, which he completed in four hours, 45 minutes.
“I would like to thank my employers, colleagues and everyone who supported me,” added the married father-of-one.
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Honoured by Her Majesty