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John Clark Motor Group Sponsors The Doddie Cup 555
John Clark Motor Group is delighted to return as a sponsor of the Doddie Cup 555 for 2023 and to be entering our own team to take part in the enormous cycling challenge!
The event from 9th-11th February will see the riders travel 555 miles from Cardiff to Murrayfield in Edinburgh to deliver the match ball for the Scotland V Wales Six Nations Match.
You’ll be able to follow our team’s journey on the John Clark Motor Group Facebook and LinkedIn pages with links to support the cause to follow.
What is your role at John Clark Motor Group?
I’m a Sales Controller at Aberdeen Audi, originally joining the company in 2017. I was there for 3 and a half years before I left to work in a bike shop, but I returned to the business in August 2021.
What has prepared you for this challenge?
At times I can be a bit of a fair weather/warm weather cyclist which doesn’t really work in the climate of the northeast of Scotland so I've been mainly training in my garage on an indoor trainer using the Zwift cycling app - so thinking about it, I don't know why I signed up for an outdoor cycling challenge in the middle of winter! I once raced against Sir Chris Hoy when I was younger - no prizes for guessing who won – not me!
Why have you signed up to the team?
Well, I’ve never been to Wales and as it starts in Cardiff I thought why not! Over the past few years I’ve done 2-3 cycle sportives a year of about 50 - 80 miles, so this seemed like something different as I've never done a team event or an event over 2 days or cycled through the night so I thought this would tick a good few boxes! Plus, it’s also it’s for a great charity.
What is your role at John Clark Motor Group?
I’ve been a technician with Pentland Jaguar Land Rover in Stirling for 6 years
What has prepared you for this challenge?
Previously I have ran 3 marathons over 3 days to raise money for Alzheimer's Scotland and cycled from Stirling to Glencoe to raise money for Pentland pups, detouring to take in 3 of Scotland's top 100 climbs covering 185km.
Why have you signed up to the team?
I have signed up for this challenge because it's for a great cause and fits right into my love of pushing myself. This could be one off the toughest challenges I've signed up for so far, but I think it's going to be awesome.
What is your role at John Clark Motor Group?
I’m a Sales Controller at Pentland Edinburgh East and I joined the company in April 2021
What has prepared you for this challenge?
I've been cycling for a number of years, taking part in the sportive around Scotland. ETAP Loch Ness, Tour of the Borders and Tour De Forth. I train regularly at my local gym and I'm part of a cycle club, Livingston Cycle Club.
Why have you signed up to the team?
I'm originally from the borders, Doddie was always a big name down there. I played a bit of rugby back in the day, I even attended a training event back in 1994 which Doddie hosted. My picture was in the local paper with him. I like to push myself, test my limits. The distance and time frame to complete is a big draw for me.
How did you get involved with the John Clark Cycle Team?
I went to school with Ross over 20 years ago and we’ve done a few cycles together over the last year so when he asked if I wanted to do it, I said yes! Also, I am a Director of a local charity called Just Cycles, which fix donated and bikes sent to landfill.
What has prepared you for this challenge?
Played rugby with and against Doddie’s brothers over the years. Signed up to the Doddie aid every year and the Doddie cycle in Melrose in 2021. I’m a keen cyclist after having to stop playing rugby due to an injury.
Why have you signed up to the team?
When asked if I would like to join the challenge by Ross, it was one of these opportunities you could not pass up.
What is your role at John Clark Motor Group?
I am the Group Training and Development Manager and have been bringing out the best in our colleagues for nearly 11 years.
What has prepared you for this challenge?
Outside of work, I have always been passionate about Combat Sports and Cycling. When I was a kid, I was always making bikes from old, abandoned bikes and fixing up my friends bikes. My favourite creation was a Raleigh "Grofter" Half Grifter / half Chopper. I am very lucky to have a bike workshop at home and during Lockdown I repaired virtually every bike in my neighbourhood. I hope I don't have to use my mechanical skills too much on the Doddie 555 Challenge but I will be there spanners at the ready!
Why have you signed up to the team?
When I saw the 555 challenge I wanted to participate to help a very worthy cause. I am not quite the cyclist to do the riding, but thought that with a ride of that length there will probably be some mechanical issues along the way and immediately volunteered by driving and bike repair skills. I will be bringing my cycling gear along with me in case I need to take a shift though.
How did you get involved with the John Clark Cycle Team?
I am Ross’ step dad and he said that the team were looking for another driver and would I be interested in helping out.
Why have you signed up to the team?
I am happy to support the team to help carry on the name and the cause that Doddie started.
What is your role at John Clark Motor Group?
I am a Parts Advisor at Pentland Land Rover Elgin, I joined the company in 2021.
Why have you signed up to the team?
Well, I have never been to Wales and as it starts in Cardiff I thought why not. I have also never really taken part in an event like this before and just wanted to get involved. Plus, it is also for a great charity.
