Martin, Declan, and Joy: REAL YELLOW JERSEYS FEATURE three different cyclists whose lives have been transformed by cycling. All were inspired to get on their bikes by Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival

Photographs: Rob Spanring Feature Tours de force We’ve awarded special jerseys to ten real cycling champions who’ve turned their lives around by riding, as Christina Bengston explains

artin Williams had been homeless, suffering from addiction, and battling Martin Williams mental health issues when he became involved in cycling through the Big Martin Williams, 45, from mental health support, and MBike Revival. Joy Anibaba only started cycling in Birmingham was homeless, helped him kick his addiction. CHRISTINA her fifties to help her lose weight and cope with addicted to drugs, and Martin then rediscovered a BENGSTON diabetes; she’s now a ride leader inspiring more suffering from anxiety and love of bicycles after being Communications women to get out on their bikes. And ten-year-old depression before being put taught cycle mechanic skills. & Media Officer Declan Nangle thought he’d never be able to ride a in touch with the Big Bike “I feel like I have a real Christina has been bike because of his dyspraxia, a condition affecting Revival group, New Roots. purpose and motivation. This cycling more his coordination. After he attempted to work not only helps others herself lately, after Each of them has been gifted one of Cycling UK’s take his own life in 2017, towards a more positive kickstarting her commuting with inaugural Real Yellow Jerseys, recognising ordinary New Roots provided him lifestyle, it makes me feel Cycle September people who’ve used cycling to transform their lives. with accommodation and good each day,” Martin said. Jenny Box, Head of Behaviour Change in , said: “We wanted to celebrate all those amazing people across the country who are getting back on their bikes, changing their lives and helping others to do the same. They’re the real heroes of cycling. The Real Yellow Jersey is also a symbol of everything that’s to be celebrated about everyday cycling, and an encouragement for more people to get in the saddle.” We gave out ten jerseys in total to people across the country who’d taken part in the Big Bike Revival,

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Joy Anibaba

Joy never learned to ride a diabetic and has high blood bike as a child, but five years pressure but cycling regularly ago took to two wheels has helped her lose weight. with the help of the Big Bike “If you’re not into cycling Revival. She’s now supporting already, it can be a bit others to do the same as a intimidating to come out,” ride leader. said Joy. “But when you’re Joy considers cycling a coming to join a group and great way to beat stress. that group is welcoming and It has also benefitted her supportive, then it’s more physical health. She is encouraging.”

our initiative helping people overcome the barriers stopping them from cycling, such as a lack of skills, financial hardship, disability, cultural background or health issues. Each ‘jersey knit’ garment took eight hours to complete.

CHAMPIONS ON CHAMPIONS In the , the yellow jersey has been worn by the overall leader since its introduction to the race in 1919. It is an iconic sporting symbol. Cycling UK’s Real Yellow Jersey recognises that cycling isn’t just about sport; it’s an everyday activity for leisure, transport and health, and part of a solution to many of society’s biggest problems, ranging from climate change and air pollution to obesity and mental health issues. The Real Yellow Jerseys have been given the backing of two Tour de France yellow jersey Declan Nangle winners; , who won his jersey in 1988, and who wore yellow at the 1994, Declan, who’s ten and ride with the Big Bike Revival. 1997 and 1998 races. Chris, now policy advisor for from Kidderminster, didn’t Declan said: “When I first , said: “The Real Yellow Jersey for think he’d ever be able to started riding a bike I was a the everyday heroes of cycling really shines a light ride a bike because he has bit scared about crashing, on how cycling can turn lives around, improving dyspraxia, a developmental but that’s something I health, fitness and wellbeing, and I applaud all the disorder that makes don’t have to worry about recipients for their achievements.” coordination and balance now. You learn to overcome Sean Yates, who also played a pivotal role in difficult. He’s now cycling your fear.” helping Sir become the first Briton every weekend after being Declan and his family are to win the Tour de France in 2012, said: “The yellow given a bike for his looking forward to a in the Tour de France remains the ultimate 10th birthday and learning to holiday at CenterParcs. symbol of cycling sporting success. So it’s fantastic to see ten inspiring individuals from all walks of life honoured with their own yellow jersey recognising how cycling can make such a massive difference to people’s lives.”

More info Read the stories of all ten Real Yellow Jersey winners and watch a video: cyclinguk.org/real-yellow-jersey

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