HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE... Andrew got back on his bike to ride to work and shed five stone...

WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE?

I drove everywhere and ate unhealthy foods while on the go. Service station food was a staple for me at the height of my weight gain. Driving would stress me out, too.

SO HOW DID YOU GET INTO ROAD CYCLING?

I realised that I needed to make a change when I arrived at the office and was out of breath from simply walking up a single flight of stairs. I’d cycled to my first job when I left school and loved the freedom it gave me.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE?

I’ve got numerous bikes including a Dolan for commuting, a Canyon Aeroad for racing, a Specialized Roubaix for distance/audax rides and a Kinesis Aithein for fast, long rides. When commuting I always ride on my own, often doing more miles as part of my training. I also ride with two local clubs. It’s good to have a mix of riding with people and getting out on your own and going wherever you please.

HOW HAS CYCLING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

I’ve changed my approach completely. I’ve cut out unhealthy foods and alcohol during the week. I’ve hit my cycling target of 16,000km per year, completed the Rapha Manchester to London Charity Ride and the 326km Yorkshire Beast sportive – one of the UK’s toughest one-day events with 5500m of climbing. I’ve done triathlons and run marathons. My weight has dropped; I’m much happier and healthier both mentally and physically. Thanks to Evans Cycles’ Heartwork campaign, celebrating 10 years of its Ride-to-Work scheme, evanscycles.com/heartwork

TOP TIPS

If you’re cycling to work, it can be mundane taking the same route every day, so vary it and set yourself challenges along the way. Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk