Coronavirus: Whittlesey cyclist to complete 24 hour indoor bike ride on his birthday to support local volunteers

Forget beer or wine, the only liquids David Edis will be tasting on Saturday are water and perspiration as he aims to complete a staggering 400 miles in a day.

Beginning at 4pm, David will take to his turbo trainer which will be linked to the internet to track how far he has ridden during the challenge.

Indoor bikes have become a growing trend during the coronavirus pandemic, both for athletes competing against each other and for residents seeking a form of home exercise.

And David said he has taken inspiration from Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas who completed three gruelling 12 hour rides in consecutive days to raise money for the NHS, albeit the soon-to-be 45-year-old will be raising money for Helping Whittlesey alongside fellow members of Whittlesey Wheelers.

Helping Whittlesey volunteers have been out in the community to feed the elderly and on the 75th anniversary of VE Day this Friday will be delivering fish and chips to residents.

Explaining why he was preparing to put himself through such a gruelling challenge, David said: “I wanted to do something quite challenging and I’ve never done anything like this.

“The longest I’ve spent on the turbo trainer is six hours but I wanted to do something out of the ordinary.

“I’m a strong cyclist and was going to cycle from coast to coast this year - 156 miles in a day. I was also going to do a race in the French Alps, while I’m a keen runner as well and on May 16 was scheduled to do an ultra marathon.

“This is going to be hard - it will be a battle of mind over body. I will set up a webcam so people can send me messages and encouragement.

“Some of the people I cycle with will be joining me online. The money will go to a good cause.

“I set a target of £500 and it’s nice to see it has already been hit.”

David admitted he will be disappointed with anything less than 400 miles during his 24 hour challenge which will see him take short breaks every 50 miles or so.

He added: “It will be a birthday I won’t forget. My wife thinks I’m mad!”

To donate to Helping Whittlesey, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wwcc.