<div> <div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</div> <div class="MsoNormal">I organised and took part in an exciting event on 15th April 2012. Video highlights are here: <span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Calibri&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL7MXGuemqw&amp;amp;feature=youtu.be"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Decathlon 123 &ndash; Track Cycling Event</span></a></span> I rode a track racing bike around Calshot Velodrome, in a team pursuit format, which really tested my cycling skills and stamina. It is serious stuff and I undertook training sessions, led by British Cycling qualified coaches, to get me up to the required level of track riding competence.</div> <div class="MsoNormal">Track racing is one of the Olympic events in which Britain expects to excel this summer, having won 7 out of the 10 gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. The ride wasn't easy &ndash; Eddy Merckx once described his successful track Hour Record as "the hardest ride I have ever done" which, coming from a man who rode and finished a 2,000 mile Tour de France with a fractured cheek bone, gives an insight into the effort and skill required to cycle non-stop for an hour on a track.</div> <div class="MsoNormal">This event is one of a series of sporting events, forming part of the 123 Decathlon Challenge 2012, which will raise much-needed funds for the benefit of 3 special local charities - The Rainbow Centre, The Rose Road Association and Wessex Cancer Trust. Challenge Adventure Charities will collate all the money raised and distribute 100% of it to those charities.</div> <div class="MsoNormal">Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I know times are hard, but please remember those unfortunate children and cancer sufferers who will benefit from your support, and give as generously as you can.</div> </div>