University support for cyclists in US challenge

A CARDIFF Metropolitan University doctor and students are assisting a team of wounded, injured, sick hand cyclists racing 3,081 miles across America.

They are entering the gruelling Race Across America (RAAM) along San Diego’s Pacific Coast and their support crew need to be just as prepared for the feat which includes a 75,000ft climb.

Dr Paul Smith, programme director of sport and science at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s School of Sport and Jonpaul Nevin were part of the support crew for the 2012 team of four wounded, injured and sick (WIS) upright cyclists and four handcyclists who entered RAAM with Help for Heroes’ support and went on to raise £100k for the charity in the process.

MSc Sport and Exercise Science student Alex Hunt will now be part of this year’s support crew with Paul and Jonpaul.

Alex was initially helping out with training sessions for an independent study module, but has since become a full member of the support crew which will accompany the team during their three-week trip to the USA.

Members of this year’s Help for Heroes team have set themselves a target to finish the extended 3,081-mile course across the Sierra, Rocky and Appalachian mountain ranges within six and a half to seven days.

The eight-man team record is currently held by Team Allied Forces who completed their 2,962-mile, transcontinental journey in five days, three hours and 45 minutes in 2013, averaging a remarkable 24.19 miles per hour.

Injuries sustained by riders on the squad being supported by Cardiff Met include triple and double limb amputations, brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Before beginning the race on Saturday, Dr Smith said: “The team will include two double lower extremity amputees and a triple amputee.

“I can’t quite believe we’re doing this again. At the end of RAAM2012 JP said ‘never again,’ but when I got the call last October I signed up immediately.

“We hope the riders are successful in achieving their goal, but more important is the fact that their endeavours will inspire others to become more physically active, more independent and, ultimately, achieve a better quality of life.”