Bentilee man prepares for 10 day endurance cycle

PERSONAL trainer Craig Gilchrist is gearing up for a world record-breaking challenge – to cycle almost non-stop for nearly 10 days on an exercise bike.

The 32-year-old will today start his bid to pedal for 233 hours, 33 minutes and 33 seconds.

He will only stop for 12 minutes sleep and three minutes to stretch after every eight-hour stint and must maintain a pace of at least 12mph.

He hopes to raise more than £1,000 for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice after his grandparents Len and Madge Smith died of cancer within eight months of each other.

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Craig, of Dividy Road, Bentilee, said: "I used to be a semi-professional cyclist and now I teach a spin class so about 12 months ago, I decided I was going to break this record.

"It's obviously a huge challenge but I've been training for a long time and I'll have my family and friends' support so I'm hopeful I can do it.

"My wife Nicola has been amazing throughout my training and my kids will come to keep me company. They're even camping out with me."

The record for a spin bike ride stands at 224 hours, 24 minutes and 24 seconds and is held by Italian Patrizio Sciroli.

Craig's marathon effort will take place at Wallace Sport and Education Centre, in Abbots Road, Abbey Hulton, from 7pm until Sunday, November 11.

Craig, who works for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "I've done several 72-hour cycles and I train every morning between 2.30am and 6am. It's going to be painful. The hardest part is stopping your body from shutting down at that time."

Craig's grandad Len passed away in October, 2010 from lung cancer and his grandma Madge died in June, 2011 from breast cancer after a five-year battle.

Craig said: "It's not just the care they provide for my grandparents. They looked after the rest of the family too. It's an absolutely brilliant charity."

Craig's mum, Suzan Gilchrist, aged 56, of Rochford Way, Bentilee, said: "I think he's crackers but we're all so incredibly proud of him, and his grandparents would have been too."

Craig has also invited members of the public to join him for the cycle.

He said: "We're setting up a 'buddy bike' next to me, and it's free for anyone to come and have a go, I would definitely appreciate the company."

To donate, text CAGY75 and an amount to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/craiggilchristworldrecordattempt.