THE CHALLENGES OF LONG DISTANCE CYCLING

Not only is cycling an increasingly popular sport, but long distance cycling in particular is proving a big lure for those who want to set their bodies the ultimate cycling challenge. As part of their training and development programme for cycling the arduous 1000 mile Lands End to John o’Groats route (LEJoG) in July, local cycling enthusiasts, the Inverness Spinners, have invited internationally renowned exercise physiologist, Prof Richard Davison to help them prepare for their gruelling ten day challenge. Prof Davison is giving a talk about ‘The Challenges of Long Distance Cycling’ on Sunday, 19th June at Fairburn Activity Centre, Muir of Ord. The event is open to all, but places are limited and must be booked in advance. Prof Davison said: “I was delighted the Inverness Spinners (my father is a team member) asked me to help out in this way. There are more ways to plan for such a demanding sporting challenge than just putting in hours on the road. I’ll be talking about how best to prepare for long distance events, including sportives and multiple day rides. I’ll also be considering the main challenges the team will face during the ride itself, with specific focus on pacing and nutrition, and will be drawing on personal experience and research studies in scientific literature.” Prof Davison has over 20 years experience in his field, and an international reputation in investigating the factors that influence cycling performance and the physiological responses to cycle ergometry. Other areas of research interest include the use of exercise and physical activity to improve health and quality of life in the general population and clinical groups. He is the current Chair of the Cycling Science Steering Group of the World Commission of Science, Editor for the Journal of Sports Sciences and Sport and former Chair of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (2006-2008).

Prof Davison also tries to practice what he preaches. As a competitive cyclist he has won ten medals at Scottish Championships, including six gold medals. Richard also represented Scotland at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria as a cycling coach and he continues to be very heavily involved with the British Cycling Coach Education Scheme helping to train the future generation of cycle coaches.

The Inverness Spinners’ team of thirteen aims to raise over £15,000 for their chosen charities - Multiple Sclerosis Scotland and local children’s charity SNAP, the Special Needs Action Programme – undertaking the challenge from 21st to 31st July which will see them travel the 1,000 miles from the south of England to the north of Scotland in ten days, accompanied by a two-strong support team. The group’s abilities range from some who, at the start of training, had never been on a road bike before, to others who have already cycled the route or done similar challenges in North Vietnam, France and Ireland.

Places can be reserved for Prof Davison’s talk on ‘The Challenges of Long Distance Cycling’ on Sunday, 19th June at 16.00 at Fairburn Activity Centre, Muir of Ord by calling 01997 433332.

Numbers are limited so early booking is advised. The event is free but donations to Inverness Spinners’ charities are encouraged. Further details about the Inverness Spinners at www.spanglefish.com/lejog2011 For directions to and further details about Fairburn Activity
Centre check out www.fairburncentre.com