A medal-winning cyclist has returned from an appearance on the world stage to turn his attention to raising money for charity with his team.
Adam Brooks and Paul Daly, who have just competed at the World Masters Track World Championships, will be leading a ‘Pedal for Purpose’ day at the Summerhill Cycle Circuit as part of the PFC Trust’s UChangeLives fundraising campaign.
Hartlepool-based Manilla Cycling, the pair’s club, are urging anyone from the town to head to
Summerhill, Catcote Road, on Saturday, October 14 to complete as many laps as they possibly can between 9am-12pm.
All monies raised will be split 50/50 between Manilla and the PFC Trust. It is a bit of a thank you from Adam and Paul for the charity’s support in competing in Manchester last week.
Adam returned with a bronze medal from the Individual 3km Pursuit and took part in other events along with Paul throughout championships.
And the 38-year-old said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to a championship at that level and it was amazing to see people all over the world walking into the Velodrome from all sorts of nations.
“There were former Olympics and Commonwealth champions and ex-professional riders competing, so being in an arena with them competing made it a bit surreal.
“There were a few nerves but to qualify for the final with the third fastest time settled those and I managed to win the bronze. I had just gone for the experience so it exceeded expectations.”
Adam and Paul are already planning to go back to the World Masters Championships next year in Roubaix, France. They hope their appearances in Manilla colours inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams.
The PFC Trust supported travel, accommodation and training for the trip to Manchester.
Adam said: “It wouldn’t have been possible without their support and it is fantastic that people from Hartlepool are given the platform to go and do events like this that they might not have been able to do.
“I have now recognised what is possible and it has given me even greater motivation to do well next year.”
Adam, the club principal, and Paul regularly compete for Manilla and are also driving an increase in cycling across the town and surrounding areas in the next generation.
And they will both be at Summerhill this Saturday along with other members, young and old, taking part in the fundraiser.
Anyone interested in taking up cycling are encouraged to head along, where there is a bake sale, Wattbike Challenge and a recycled clothing sale as well as the sponsored cycle.
Adam said: “It would be great to see as many people as possible come along and complete as many laps as you can over the course of three hours between 9-12.
“There is no pressure. Those taking part can do as many laps as they want. They can do one lap or they can do 100. We are shouting out to everyone … parents, kids, anyone who wants to come and raise money.”
* Sponsor forms are available from Manilla Cycling or donate on the JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/manillacycling-1694784106350
* For further details contact adam@manillacycling.co.uk