HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE...

Martin’s bike has been his greatest ally in a battle against cancer

HOW WAS LIFE BEFORE THE BIKE?

“I’d always been into bikes, especially MTB – but in more recent years I turned to road cycling - now most of my rides are road.”

HOW HAS CYCLING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

“I was physically fit up to my cancer diagnosis which enabled me to recover quicker from initial exploratory operations. My fitness level and strength has dropped considerably mainly due to the ongoing chemotherapy treatment knocking down my red blood cells. But I can still cycle, it’s just more difficult to get the same times on routes I have previously done.”

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS DOES CYCLING BRING?

“During a ride my mind is taken far away from the day-to-day cancer concerns and chemotherapy side effects, I am always thinking about plans and good things for the future. I might not be as quick or as strong as I was due to the chemo fatigue but I have realised that does not matter, the important thing is just getting out there and doing it.”

WHO DO YOU RIDE WITH?

“I ride wide Evesham Wheelers CC, also my wife – we have a tandem - and my son occasionally. I always cycle the 10 miles into hospital every two weeks for my chemo treatment as 35 minutes exercise is great before I spend six hours sat in the chemo chair, although I’m too drugged up to cycle back home after my treatment.”

WHAT ARE YOUR CYCLING ACHIEVEMENTS?

“I have an Echelon full-carbon custombuild compact racing bike, which I ride around the Cotswold Hills and Vale of Evesham. I did the Tour of Flanders 2017, riding the cobbles the day before the pros. Weight wise I went down to 12st after diagnosis (I was 14st); 16 months later I am 13st, which I’m happy with.”

TOP TIPS

Break up rides in your head to achieve them more easily: 4 x 15 mile stints feels more achievable than 1 x 60 mile ride. Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk