'Washed-Up' Warriors embark on epic cycling challenge
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THERE is more than a hint of trepidation in Richie Vernon’s voice as he looks ahead to spending four days with four of his old Glasgow Warriors and Scotland chums – Chris Fusaro, Ruaridh Jackson and Ryan Grant – during the lead-up to this Sunday’s Six Nations round two clash between their home country and Ireland at Murrayfield.
Having long since hung up their boots, they really ought to be taking it easy; perhaps going out for a meal and supping on some wine while reminiscing about the good old days when they were at the height of their rugby playing powers. But ex-pros are a different breed, and this lot have decided to roll back the years in a rather more gruelling fashion … all in a good cause, it should be highlighted.
“Basically, think of a cold, miserable, dark, 700-mile cycle from Stranraer, snaking around the Borders, up through the Highlands, and then back down to Edinburgh, over the course of four days,” says Vernon, who is now a 37-year-old investment specialist with Baillie Gifford based in Edinburgh, having brought the curtain down on his playing career seven years ago (during which time he collected 24-caps and became the first Scotland player since 1878 to be selected to start an international match as both a forward and a back).
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“It is all in the hope of raising as much money as we can for the My Name’5 Donny Foundation,” he continues, perhaps feeling the need to justify his involvement in such an exercise in self-punishment. “It’s the 2025 Doddie’s Grand Tour. They do one every year, and this year, they seem to have picked one that’s even more painful than most. I mean, last year they cycled to Rome … and for some reason, we’ve got Stranraer to Edinburgh! I don’t know how that happened, but we’ve not got our timing quite right!”
The challenge started on Wednesday morning and finishes in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket at lunchtime on Saturday, and then enjoy an after-party which will involve a few beers, burgers and watching this Saturday’s Six Nations matches between Italy and Wales (2.15pm kick-off) then England versus France (4.45pm) on a big screen.
“It is a bit like playing again, in tat you dread it in a way but also enjoy the adrenalin and nerves. And unlike when we were playing for Scotland, if we do completely mess up – fall off our bike in an undignified heap or something like that – then at least we aren’t doing t in front 70,000-odd people!” Vernon adds.
“Everyone says: ‘You guys used to be professional sportsmen, so you’ll be absolutely fine’. But I retired going on seven years ago now. I’ve got very much into dad life with a wife and two kids, and when it is not your job then you very quickly fall out the habit of training every day, so I’m not quite as fit as I once was, and I think that would also be true for Ryan, Ruaridh and Fozzy.
“Probably more importantly, we’re used to a maximum of 80 minutes hard work at a time, and this is probably going to require about 16 hours in the saddle per day for four days. So it’s very different to what we’re used to. I just hope the weather’s all right for it because I think that’ll pretty much determine how painful it’ll be.”
“But you know what? I think it’ll be a good laugh as well. And with 150 plus other riders doing it together with us I know it’ll be a lot of fun.
“I don’t think we’ll be competitive in trying to finish quickly, but the challenge of getting it done is a good one to take on, and, of course, it’s for a brilliant charity, which we’re all very passionate about. The more money we can raise, the better.”
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