Triathlete Perkins ready for 24-hour bike marathon

TRIATHLETE Andy Perkins is set to undertake the longest bike leg of his career. The 18-year-old Grammar School student is preparing for a 24-hour marathon, in aid of Children in Need.

'I was sitting at school a couple of weeks ago and we were talking about raising money for Children in Need. This is something I've always wanted to try. My friends have been very supportive, but some think I am mad,' he said.

Perkins will start his ride at 1pm on Friday from the Grammar School and hopes to be dismounting his Trek bike at the same time on Saturday.

He will ride mostly up and down the west coast and aims to complete at least 350 miles.

'I'm hoping to average about 15mph. I will try to ride straight through when it is light. During the night I'll be stopping every couple of hours.'

Support will come from family and friends. He'll be eating energy bars - provided by Bob Duquemin at the Cycle Centre - and drinking while on the bike during the day but will have breaks during darkness. Triathlon clubmate Tim Johns intends to join him early Saturday morning.

Perkins has no idea how much money he will raise, but is happy to receive donations. He knows it will be tough.

'To be honest, I haven't really been out on the bike much for the past couple of weeks.'

However, Perkins has plenty of miles in his legs: the talented former Kelly College student, where he received a triathlon scholarship, has trained in Lanzarote under Robin Brew.

n*Andy Perkins can be contacted on 243426.