A CONSTRUCTION worker is gearing up for a gruelling cycle challenge, in which he aims to pedal 351 miles across Europe in five days.
Steve Murphy was motivated to take on the Dallaglio Cycle Slam following a friend's death.
He told the Mirror: "A good friend and colleague, Michael Moran, passed away from cancer just after Christmas."
Mr Murphy, who lives with his wife in Shepperds Walk, Buckland, signed up for the challenge where riders start in Treviso, Italy, on June 2, and finish at Twickenham on June 24. He will complete stage two of the ride, which will see him cycling from St Moritz, Switzerland, to Chamonix in the French Alps.
Mr Murphy's stage of the challenge will be split over five days where, in parts, he will be expected to climb an incline of 7.5 per cent.
"I wasn't a cyclist before and the saddle takes some getting used to – so does the Lycra!" said Mr Murphy.
A rugby enthusiast, Mr Murphy played for Chipstead for many years, another reason to support the Dallaglio Foundation, which engages young people using rugby to develop social skills, self-esteem, discipline, team spirit and positive pathways into employment. The Teenage Cancer Trust will also benefit from the event.
Mr Murphy's training has involved spending ten hours in the saddle for three or four days on the trot.
Sponsor Mr Murphy via www.virginmoneygiving.com/steve.murphy
