HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE…
Swede Ronny Jansson, 43, found cycling gave him a new lease of life and helped him to overcome disability. Plus, he shed five stone in the process…
THEN 121kg (19st) NOW 89kg (14st)
HOW WAS LIFE BEFORE THE BIKE?
“I was born with two club feet and have undergone surgery 23 times since I was born. I have never been able to stand, walk or run without experiencing incredible pain. The future may require more operations and we’ve also discussed the possibility of amputation.”
HOW HAS CYCLING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
“Not being able to walk or run meant I gained a lot of weight. In April 2016, I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror and thought to myself, ‘I have to do something’. I started riding a 10-year-old, three-speed bike. I rode 800km on it.
Then I got the opportunity to buy a racer from a friend and that’s when I really fell in love with cycling. No matter how much I rode, it didn’t hurt my feet.”
HOW DID THE BIKE HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?
“As the rides became longer, the kilos started to drop off. After only seven months on the bike and around 4000km, I realised that I’d lost 30kg (66lbs).”
WHAT ARE YOUR CYCLING ACHIEVEMENTS?
“In five years, I’ve ridden almost 23,000km. In 2019, I cycled my first Vätternrundan – the world’s largest recreational bike ride – around Lake Vättern. I felt incredibly nervous but, as soon as I started pedalling, the nerves left and the adrenaline kicked in. It was magical – the most fun thing I’ve done in my life. And I was supported by StolenGoat.com, a cycling clothing company who even sell a Ronny jersey!”
WHAT ARE YOUR BIKE AMBITIONS?
“My mother passed away this year, far too soon. She was everything to me and my biggest fan, so I decided to ride for 24 hours to honour her memory and to raise money for the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation. After 16 hours and 348km, I had to abandon due to a shoulder injury. I think mom would have been proud of my effort and the money I raised ($1800). My ambition is to try again for 24 hours next year. I no longer have to cycle to lose weight; now I just cycle to live.”
Ronny’s journey continues. Follow him at instagram.com/Cyklarforlivet
GET IN TOUCH...
Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk
“BORN WITH TWO CLUB FEET, I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO STAND, WALK OR RUN WITHOUT GREAT PAIN”