James & Rebecca LEJOG - and Ride Across Britain Challeng

NervexProf

Good wishes to James Cracknell and Rebecca Romero on their LEJOG ride starting Monday - on a tandem.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/59405 ... omero.html

- and details of the 2010 Deloitte Ride Across Britain Challenge - starting 12 June 2010 - see here:

http://www.rideacrossbritain.com/

Tom Butcher

I like what he's written about the record attempt but it's such a difficult thing to take on for two non-specialists no matter how much athletic talent they have. Looking at the weather they are going to have a decent tail wind the whole way and no rain tomorrow.

r3 guy

The man is a legend, i will be waking up at about 2 in the morning to go and support them, according to twitter feeds, they are in Wolverhampton, after leaving LE this morning at 5 !!

NervexProf

Latest updates here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/59667 ... istol.html


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/column ... cracknell/

May the wind be on their backs - ahead of schedule, just, at the moment.

NervexProf

In Scotland now - last spotted near Lockerbie.

hugo15

Reports on Twitter are saying that they have packed due to Rebecca having knee problems.

NervexProf

Confirmed - attempt abandoned. Rebecca says she will probably NOT try again.

Video and update here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/59710 ... d-bid.html

Chapeau to both.

Tom Butcher

Realistically she'd have to commit to training for it over a decent period of time - at this stage in her career the tandem end to end record isn't worth that is it. Good on them for having a go but I'm pleased the record stays with people who worked hard at long distance cycling over many years to get it. Wonder if Cracknell will come back with another partner - unfinished business and all that.

big_phil

Sorry for Rebecca but can't say the same about James....if you saw the documentary "on thin ice" you will appreciate what a self-centered arrogant, t**t he is. He almost caused their team to fail, because of his inability to work as a proper teamplayer.

r3 guy

Hold on a second big phil.

That's a bit harsh. The man is obvoiusly extremely driven and if that means that on the way he ruffles a few feathers and namby pamby liberals then so be it

Tom Butcher

I watched an episode of Thin Ice last night - the one where they reach half way in the race - previously saw the one where they were auditioning people for the 3rd spot - so far haven't see any behaviour I'd take exception to. Have I missed the good bits or am I just not sensitive enough ?

popette

I'm watching it now. He seems focused and driven to me - not seen anything I would take exception to either. So far.
He is gorgeous - 6ft 4in, 100kg, size 12 feet - perfect!

Peter Main

Did they ever stand any chance of success? I believe Rebecca had never ridden through one night, let alone two. They are both world class athletes but I'm almost glad the record stays with Andy & Lynn, a pair who were (are) "simply the best" at the long distance game. A record like LeJog needs much more than good athletes and good PR, it also needs life long dedication and understanding of the long game. It is something special and it looks like staying that way for a while. It was a brave attempt, probably doomed to failure, and driven more by media hype than by any desire to 'just do it'.