Following a total of over £300,000 raised, the London to Amsterdam cycle challenge has gone down as yet another success.
United duo Adam Grice and Wayne Johnson both cycled the 145-mile route from Leyton Orient, London to Harwich and then into Amsterdam on day two, raising both money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.Described as “an unbelievable experience” for the Assistant Club Secretary, Adam is already looking ahead to the same challenge in 12-months time.
“The whole London to Amsterdam challenge has been a fantastic experience,” he said.
“It’s one I will never forget. Despite all the pain and struggling on day one, day two made up for it as we cycled through the Dutch countryside. It’s been such a fantastic experience that I’ll be doing the challenge again next year. I’ve already registered my interest for the 2016 challenge and I know a lot of other people have done likewise.
“Following the hills and challenges of day one, the second day was much easier. Cycling across the flat Dutch landscape, up from the Hook of Holland, through The Hague and up to Amsterdam was great. All the sections were shorter and the highest single incline we face was 20m, compared with 100m the day before.
“The Dutch culture towards cyclists is completely different to that of England. Cyclists seem to have the right of way when it comes to the roads, unlike back home where drivers just get frustrated when they see you on the road.”
This year’s challenge involved the likes of Preston North End manager Simon Grayson, former Fulham and Derby County player Paul Peschisolido, Terry Butcher and Matt Holland, with all managing to complete the ride in good time to allow the group to enjoy the scenery in their one night in the Dutch capital.
He added: “En-route to Amsterdam, we covered 50 miles before we stopped for our final water break – just four miles away from the Amsterdam Arena. We then cycled the remainder of the route in a strong peloton of approximately 90 cyclists – so everyone arrived at the stadium at the same time.
“We (Wayne and myself, along with the girls from Doncaster Rovers) cycled to the stadium with the strong contingent from Ipswich Town, which included football legends Terry Butcher and Matt Holland.
“We were greeted at the Arena by champagne and a medal presentation. It was then where it all went wrong for me, my chain came off as I was due to cycle back across the city to the hotel. My momentum for the set off meant the only way I was going was flat on my right hand side.
“I thought nobody had seen the little mishap, but as we were cycling back to the hotel, Matt Holland caught up with me and started joking with me about it. At least he was the only one to spot it – it’s just a good job it wasn’t caught on my GoPro.”
Adam has already set his sights for the ‘2016 London 2 Amsterdam’ challenge, registering his interest already.
“Next year it would be great if we could get Scunthorpe United represented on a bigger scale,” he continued.
“Hopefully, after this year’s success, we’ll be able to take a team from London to Amsterdam in 2015.”
To register your interest in the challenge, email cycling@prostatecanceruk.org and put “I'd like to register my interest in London 2 Amsterdam 2016” in the subject.