The Director of Te Aho Matatu Professor Parry Guilford (left) shares a quick breakfast with world cyclist Andrew Nicholson this morning. Photo: Sharron Bennett.
Researchers from the University of Otago's Te Aho Matatu: Centre for Translational Cancer Research joined others from around Dunedin encouraging cyclist Andrew Nicholson on the last leg of his epic world bike ride this morning.
Mr Nicholson left New Zealand in August, and has been cycling since then in a bid to set a new world record for circumnavigating the world by bicycle. He is making his ride in support of Te Aho Matatu.
Beginning in Auckland he rode across Canada and the United States, through Europe to India, through Southeast Asia, across Australia and will now ride the length of New Zealand back to Auckland. His incredible route has seen him visit 23 countries.
He slept in Dunedin – in his own bed – last night, setting off early this morning for his ride north.
"... he has done a huge amount in terms of raising our profile. I think people will think of our work more readily in the future because of what Andrew has done."
Researchers, cyclists and supporters met Andrew at the teeth at the end of the Harbour, giving him words of encouragement before he headed off.
Among them was Te Aho Matatu Director Professor Parry Guilford, who says Mr Nicholson's ride has been “remarkable”.
“The more I think about it, and seeing him back in the country, the more I realise there are very few individuals that could have done what he is doing. It is more than determination, it takes a certain physiology to be able to ride like this and recover enough to continue each day.
“What he has done is up there with some of the best athletic performances by any New Zealander. We are humbled to have him riding in support of our cancer research.”
Professor Guilford says the ride has so far raised around $3600, with that number climbing rapidly now that Mr Nicholson is back in New Zealand.
“But more than that, he has done a huge amount in terms of raising our profile. I think people will think of our work more readily in the future because of what Andrew has done.”
Mr Nicholson is on track to break the record, currently held by England's Alan Bate. If all goes smoothly he may well knock two days off Mr Bate's record of 125 days, 21 hours and 45 minutes.
Last year Mr Nicholson broke the New Zealand outdoor 24-hour cycling record at the Mosgiel velodrome, also raising money for Te Aho Matatu.
Support the ride:
Check out Andrew Nicholson's website and Facebook page.
Donate at: givealittle.co.nz/cause/teahoworldride/