Day 2 started far too early for some, with Greg hardly able to open his eyes during breakfast, but breakfast and coffee soon had him ready to move. The Accenture team all appeared looking bright and keen to be on the road joining the rest of the Peloton for breakfast, with lots of laughter and cheery hello’s.
Having put their bikes through a quick check to make sure there were no problems, and grabbing a quick selection of finger rolls and energy bars to put in their pouches, the Peloton set off from their stopping point of Cirencester market place at 7am sharp. The first couple of miles involved working their stiff muscles back into action before settling into a steady average 17mph. The route began gently with a winding lane that took them through the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside with little traffic, but there was a great contrast when they had to encounter a few miles on the very busy A48(?Check), Fortunately they soon turned off and took the scenic route through the Cotswolds.
Nigel quickly settled into a good rhythm, with Magnus tending to stay next to Nigel, while either Leo and Greg or Ian took the lead. Susan and Meg showed their superiority as uphill riders whenever a particularly difficult stretch came up, chatting away and laughing non stop, no matter how steep the climb – they made the whole ‘climbing’ part look as though they were out for a gentle potter along a straight bit of road. All the guys were very complimentary and impressed with the way the girls could keep up such a good pace with such humour. With the pace being set, the Peloton were able to chat as they rode along and, as the miles passed the group became more cohesive.
There was a stop for lunch for an hour, where the team were able to get a good boost of food and energy to keep them going. It also gave Nigel a chance to have a massage on the leg that had cramped up the night before the start, causing one of the thigh muscles to tear. Once lunch was over the Peloton set off again quickly to ensure they did not cool down too far and cause a stiffening of muscles.
An opportunity not to be missed - Cardiff Velodrom |
On route the Peloton could not resist the opportunity to combine one of their rest stops with a visit to the Cardiff Velodrome. all of of the team would have much liked to take a spin round the track, but that will just have to wait til next year. As Magnus's local Velodrome he was keen to show the rest of the team the facilities that are available to the residents of Cardiff.
Our final destination of the day - Cardiff Lightship |
The end of the day was a ride to the Ports Authority area of Cardiff city centre, where Bike Club had organised a fabulous event to welcome the Peloton to Cardiff. As the team rode into the area in front of the lightship a great cheer went up, and the crowd all surrounded the team, patting them on the backs and congratulating them for getting so far. There was the added bonus that Magnus and Meg’s own children and best friend, James Drury, the designer of the decals for the support vehicles, were there to welcome them in as well.
Around the area in front of the lightship there were a number of activities for the public and Peloton to try. Northshore, Recycle bikes Tredz and Peddlepower all had some great fun activities for all ages, from ‘blinging’ your bike to a slalom course, which even Leo and Greg found hard to get round without coming off their bike. With Nigel’s leg causing him discomfort, the ports authority helped out by providing a boat to take Nigel and Magnus to the nearby newly opened BMX park, adjacent to the Lightship grounds.
All in all, everyone had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed all that was put on. “We wanted to welcome Nigel, Magnus and the team to our city and show them just how much is going on here in Cardiff” said Melanie, the event organiser “I am so glad Nigel had a good time, and you could see how much those who came from the region enjoyed their afternoon. Thank you so much for coming down and giving Nigel and the Peloton a huge Welsh welcome”
Once back as his hotel, Nigel commented “What a wonderful event, and is exactly what we are doing this for – to support young people to develop a range of abilities that will help them in adult years. We all had a fabulous time”
Day 2, ended with an early supper and bed for everyone. This was also the day that the team said goodbye to Roseanne, Nigel’s wife, who had rapidly become a major and important part of the team, providing lunches and snacks, whenever the Peloton stopped for a break. Her laughter and sunshine view on life had a really strong affect on the whole crew and both the support crew and the Peloton missed her from the team. Good byes were also said to the Accenture guests, who had enhanced the 2 days riding with their enthusiasm and determination to do well, and the core team were sad to see tem depart.
Photography by Team UK Youth, for more information or copies please contact UK Youth.
Co-riding in the Peloton Day 2 - Accenture 2 - Accenture
What is 
the the challenge for Accenture?
The ride will begin for us on the 22nd July from Kensington Palace, officiated by HRH Prince Michael of Kent and will see the team cycle from London to Cirencester for a grueling 106 miles.
Day 2 from Cirencester to an event in Cardiff, another 92 miles.
Who's in the Accenture team?
Senol Mehmet, John Driver, Simon Ware, Vanessa Harding, Ben Wilkinson, Steve Pemberton
Senol Mehmet
Job Title: Senior Manager
Function / Role: Senol is an IT Delivery Lead specialising in planning, shaping and delivery of large scale Systems Integration and Banking Transformation programmes within the Financial Services sector. His experiences include Programme Management, Delivery Excellence and Retail Banking Branch of the Future solutions.
Simon Ware
Job Title: Manager
Function / Role: Simon is a PMP qualified Manager in the Systems Integration and Technology practice, his experience is with large scale Retail banking transformation projects, specialising in account opening, loan products and online banking. Simon’s roles have been focussed on business analysis, requirements gathering, functional design and project delivery management.
Vanessa Harding
Job Title: Financial Services Consultant
Function / Role: Business Engagement Manager for a Credit Card project at a UK bank. Based out of Accenture’s Manchester office. Keen Adventure Racer, trail runner and mountain biker.
Ben Wilkinson
Job title: Senior Manager
Function / Role: Management consultant, working for Accenture for 10 years in banking change and system delivery programmes. Lives in Hampstead, North London. Enjoys running and cycling and is about to take a 12 month Leave of Absence to travel round the world!
John Driver
Job title: Manager
Function / Role: John has spent many years working within the Financial Services industry. His experience is varied including delivery of large scale Systems Integration, Application, Service and Delivery Management.
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