James McClean gets behind 10,000 miles charity cycle as rookie cyclists dig deep for Ardnashee School

The group, vying to complete an ambitious 10,000 miles on the saddle, has surpassed expectations for the first week but it hasn't come without a few crashes, injured pride and punctured wheels.

They've already encountered more than their fair share of obstacles as they've navigated past fallen trees and battled with 25mph winds and driving rain on the open road.

It's certainly been a steep learning curve for most as they've quickly realised road cycling isn't a sport for the faint-hearted.

And the challenge to cycle the length of the Great Wall of China isn't one to be taken lightly.

However the group, namely Marty McNutt, Dee O'Hara, Gary Curran, Darren Boyle, Ryan McGee, John McConnell, David Walker, James McMonagle, Mark Crossan and Simon Collins, have notched up an incredible total of 2,156 kilometres already - the distance from Derry to Rome! Some feat for a bunch of amateurs!

After week one it's left some physically exhausted and yet, in equal measure, gasping for more as they've all been bit by the cycling bug.

At the end of the challenge they aim to have cycled the distance from Derry to Sydney and will keep everyone up to date on their weekly progress on social media.

It's all, of course, for a good cause as they aim to raise in the region of £10,000 for the Racecourse Road school for children with additional needs.

The challenge got underway on Sunday, May 31st to coincide with Ardnashee's 'Fun Week' and it also incorporated World Bike Day and the group are delighted to have raised almost £4,000 already.

It concludes on August 30th next and so there's still plenty of hard work and effort needed as the lads test their fitness and resolve while balancing their family and work life.

You can provide much needed motivation and support Ardnashee school by donating here on the GoFundMe page which goes directly to the school's PTA which has run into difficulties this year due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Ireland and Stoke City international, James McClean has got behind the cause, donating a generous £500 towards the total and it's hoped the group can make great strides towards the target amount this week.

The group would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donations; Just Vape, Pro Gym, Wicked Vapours, The Mindset Junkie, Liquid State e-cig shop, The Fitness Box, With Love Recipes,We Do It All Maintenance, Claudy Cycles and media sponsors, The Derry Journal and Highlight Magazine.