A NORTH Berwick rugby player has completed a gruelling charity cycle challenge, travelling more than 100 miles to raise money for the Prince’s Trust.

Jamie Armstrong took part in the RBS Cycle Challenge as he completed the 115-mile route from Carlisle Racecourse to the bank’s headquarters at Gogar in Edinburgh.

The 33-year-old explained how he became involved in the ride, which saw cyclists travel to the Capital via Livingston, Biggar and Moffat, after leaving the racecourse.

He told the Courier: “I took part in the RBS cycle challenge as I am an employee, and hey are long-time partners of the Prince’s Trust, who are celebrating 40 years of improving young people’s lives through apprenticeship and mentoring schemes.”

Jamie undertook a number of training rides ahead of the event, but admitted the ride was a tough challenge.

He said: “The first 40 miles was fairly flat and easy going, but the notorious Devil’s Beef Tub climb out of Moffat, of about seven miles, was quite tough, as was the climb just before Biggar.

“The last 35 miles were a lot slower as the body was tiring by then, but that gave me a chance to take in the scenery and ride with some others and make new friends.

“I got a puncture about 11 miles from the end while riding through Livingston, but it didn’t take long to fix and we were back on our way.

“The most challenging part was at about 60 miles (halfway point) as I hit a bit of a wall and there was an unforgiving headwind.”

Jamie, who works in wholesale risk solutions for RBS, was pleased to make it to the finishing line.

After completing the 115-mile route, he added: “I felt really content when I crossed the finish line, and there were lots of people supporting cheering and handing out medals.

“The legs felt fine but my back, shoulders and neck were very sore by the end.”

Jamie is about a third of the way to his £700 fundraising target and to donate, visit: www.sponsorme.co.uk/jamiearmstrong/princes-trust-charity-cycle.aspx