A CYCLING star got off his saddle to visit Haddington Cycle Club.

Graeme Obree, twice holder of the world hour record and twice World 4,000m pursuit champion, joined members and guests at Haddington Town House last Thursday for an evening of stories about his remarkable life – on and off the bike.

True to form, Graeme had cycled to Haddington from his home on the west coast of Scotland earlier in the day and wasted no time in telling his audience about his recent trip to Nevada to challenge the world land speed record at Battle Mountain, which is the subject of a recent film by director David Street.

Using a bike that he built in his kitchen – and famously using parts of an old washing machine – Graeme competed against teams from all over the world and with far greater access to modern technology in his search for another world record.

Graeme also shared many stories from his early days – how he got involved with his local cycling club as a 15-year-old and started competing in club races, before progressing to national level and appearing on the world stage.

Graeme’s story of his famous world hour record attempt, which is chronicled in the film The Flying Scotsman, starring Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller, provided an exceptional insight into the single-minded drive required to take on the record not once, but twice.

At the end of the evening, Graeme stayed to sign autographs and pose for pictures with club members.

After presenting Graeme with a Haddington Cycle Club jersey, chairman Neil Clyde said: “We were delighted to welcome Graeme to Haddington tonight and it was fantastic to see so many people along to hear from a true cycling legend.

“Anyone inspired by Graeme’s exploits who is keen to give cycling a go is more than welcome to join us at the Corn Exchange in Haddington every Sunday at 9am, or visit our website haddingtoncycleclub.co.uk”