A Dundee man is gearing up for a thigh-burning event this summer in aid of cancer research.
Father-of-two Dave Mann (51) originally from Lochee but now living in the Netherlands has been training ahead of the annual Alpe d’Huez cycling challenge. On July 9 he will cycle up and down the French alp three times.
He will be part of an eight-strong squad taking on the route tackled each year by thousands of amateur cyclists as well as the Tour de France professionals.
The first-timer admits the task is daunting.
“A girl friend asked me to take part in the cycle as part of a group just to raise money,” he said. “I do bike in Holland which is quite easy as there are few hills but have never done anything like this before.”
Mr Mann has kept a strict gym training routine for about a year.
“I’ve been doing circuit training and spinning work but I have been lucky in that my daughter, Kirsty, who is a personal trainer, has helped me get prepared. At first it was very tough but as time goes on it has gotten a whole lot easier,” he said.
As well as raising funds for the cause, Mr Mann who has lived at Alkmaar for 30 years and works as licence manager for a poster company is also doing the bike ride in memory of his elder brother Sandy who spent his working life at DC Thomson. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer in 2005.
“I will be carrying him with me on July 9, and this alone will inspire me to fulfil my goal and raise as much cash as possible in aid of cancer research,” he said.
All money raised will go to cancer research in the Netherlands.If you would like to pledge money you can do so by clicking here or you can email d.mann2@upcmail.nlMain photo by Flickr user Arlyn Asch.