Local teacher conquers national cycling challenge
Eian (64) is a teacher at St Dominics Newcastle and successfully completed the race in four hours and 32 minutes.
It started with the purchase of a secret ticket, and ended in a superb victory. Among 32 000 cyclists taking part in the Discovery 947 Ride Joburg, Eian Marillier has shown his strength of character and determination.
Eian (64) is a teacher at St Dominics Newcastle and successfully completed the race in four hours and 32 minutes.
“My wife, Alison, secretly bought me a ticket and announced I would be riding the race. I took up the challenge and started my training the very next day,” he revealed.
In the seven weeks preceding the race, Eian cycled a jaw-dropping 650kilometres, with a longer ride on Sundays.
“The longest ride I have done in training was 75km in three hours and 20 minutes.”
Added to his preparation, Eian also worked out in the gym and, for fun, included lots of planks and push-ups in his training regimen.
“I also cut back to one meal a day, mainly protein. I lost eight kilograms leading up to the race, which brought me to a good race weight.”
Even though he admitted he was more used to mountain biking, Eian said he enjoyed preparing for the road cycle race.
ALSO READ: SCHOOLS: St Dominics Newcastle braves the Orange River
For the full story, pick up this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser (November 22), on shelves now!
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