Having swapped his kevlars for lycra as he took to the road to cycle the 140 miles from Wolverhampton to Cardiff ahead of Saturdays Fogo British FIM Speedway Grand Prix, British sensation Tai Woffinden completed his journey in style, accompanied on a lap of the Millennium Stadium track by Paralympic Gold medal winning cyclist, Mark Colbourne MBE.
The Wolverhampton rider set off from Monmore Green following Wolves clash with Birmingham last Monday (May 27) and managed to complete the journey ahead of scheduledespite the wet Welsh weather!
Currently enjoying a great run in the world championship FIM Speedway Grand Prix series, Tai undertook the ride to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of his dad, former speedway rider Rob Woffinden who he sadly lost to the disease in 2010. The latest update is that hes already hit an impressive 16,000with generous supporters donating money along the way.
Woffy was joined on the final stage of his ride by Welsh Paralympic hero, Mark who was touched by the SGP stars story after losing his own father to cancer in February 2012.
The champion cyclist beat all the odds to take gold in the C1 3km pursuit and silver in the C1-3 1km time trial at last years London Paralympic Gameshaving gone through what he himself describes as hell and back to get there.
Having been greeted by speedway fans who had turned up to meet their Brit hero in Newport, Tai and Mark completed the last 15-mile stretch of the ride together to cross the finish line in style.
Speaking about his fundraising efforts and journey to Cardiff Tai, 22, said: After losing my father to cancer in 2010, I want to raise money to help beat it. I am supporting Cancer Research UK in the fight against the disease.
"I saw how rapidly my dad deteriorated with cancer three years ago and it wasn't nice for me or my mum to see that. My success so far this year, and this project, is all dedicated to dad.
Cardiff is obviously a very special event and Im really looking forward to Saturday. Ive enjoyed my ride and it was just fantastic to have the support of such an accomplished sportsman as Mark but all eyes are now on the GP and Im totally ready.
To be second in the World Championship and one point off the top spot is just awesome and Ill go out on Saturday to enjoy it as I always do. I know the crowd will be behind me and Im going to give it everything I can to be the champion they want to see.
Colbourne himself was delighted to team up with Woffy in the fight against cancer. He said: "I felt very touched by the invitation to join Tai in his epic cycling quest from Wolverhampton to Cardiff to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Having personally lost my dad to stomach cancer, I really admire his efforts.
Tai has worked hard ahead of this GP and pushed his fitness even further with this ride. Ive got to know him a bit over the last few weeks and Im really impressed by his commitment and determination to do well in front of a home crowd.
Hes going into the British GP in a great position and if he does triumph, Im sure we can expect those dedicated British fans to blow the roof off the Millennium Stadium this Saturday!Tai will be attempting to make it two successive wins in the Speedway GP series when he takes his place at Cardiff for the Fogo British FIM Speedway Grand Prix on Saturday (race starts at 5pm). You can support Tai and donate by texting WOFF50 (and the amount) to 70070 or by visiting his Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/taiwoffinden01008
If you would like to watch Tai in action at the Fogo British FIM Speedway Grand Prix tickets can be purchased on the day at the stadiumCardiff Arms Building or TicketlineUK both situated on Westgate Street. For further information about the event visit speedwaygp.com.
