Who are Team Welsh?

Team Welsh has become a living breathing thing. It began with twelve legs and thanks to a transfer request it now has fourteen. The fourteen hardly knew each other this time last year, but oh how that has changed.

Your seven riders are mentor Neil Welsh (me) and mentees Steve Turnock, Andrew Holden, Mike Evans, Craig Noonan, Graham Elleray and transfer in Richard Robinson. For the purposes of this blog and on the basis that he is a colleague at PM+M and heavily involved with Blackburn Youth Zone I will also include the one and only Tony Brierley. Profiles are as follows:

      

• Name: Neil Welsh
• Age: 46
• Marital Status: Married
• Children: Caitlin (15) and Evan (12)
• Job Title: Independent Financial Adviser
• Company name: PM+M Wealth Management
• Job Function: Financial planning services – helping clients meet their financial goals      

Sporting Achievements

A cyclist for over 30 years I am the current chairman of Cycle Sport Pendle as well as a British Cycling Level 2 Coach. I have raced in the past but not seriously for the last couple of years. I have also ridden a broad range of charity cycling challenges including Burnley to John O Groats, End to End Ireland, Bordeaux to Burnley, Lands End John O Groats amongst others. I once passed Chris Boardman in a Time Trial (although he had punctured at the time!)

Motivation for the Challenge

To use my knowledge and experience to help others; to embrace the social element amongst like-minded people; to make new contacts; to ride two of the most famous cycling climbs in Tour De France history; to support two fantastic charities.

 

      

• Name: Steve Turnock
• Age: 54
• Marital Status: Married
• Children: Three, Ben, Sam and Lucy
• Job Title: Retired      

Sporting Achievements

I have completed two marathons, London and New York. I play squash for a local team. I am a keen skier and play golf. Summiting the Gran Paradiso in Italy is also up there as one of my more memorable achievements.

Motivation for the Challenge

I have just taken up cycling as my squash days may be numbered. I wanted another sport that wasn’t as brutal on my knee joints, so that I could keep fit and healthy in the future.
I am someone who likes a challenge, and I thought that this would be a good way to “properly” get into cycling.

 

 

Name: Andrew Holden

Age: 48

Marital Status: Married

Children: None

Job Title: Commercial Agent (Flooring)

Company name: Millennium Weavers NV

Job Function: Area Sales Manager      

Sporting Achievements

I have successfully completed London & Edinburgh Marathons, The Great North Run three times, Manchester 10k, Coast to Coast twice and Coast & Castles Cycle Route. Ridden the Mont Ventoux on a mountain bike and road bike but not on the same day

Motivation for the Challenge

To enjoy some great riding, meet new people and raise money for a great cause.

      

• Name: Mike Evans
• Age: 48
• Marital Status: Married
• Children: Freddie (12)
• Job Title: Director of Operations
• Company name: EFL Trust
• Job Function: Using the power of sport to positively change lives      

Sporting Achievements

School Pool Champion (1986), Ribble Valley Subbuteo ‘World’ Champion 1990, Regular tennis player in Division 7 of the Bolton League, Highest score of 27 (not out) for the Ramsbottom Dads Cricket Team and occasional cyclist.

Motivation for the Challenge

To reach the top of Alpe D’Huez and Ventoux in one piece, preferably ahead of Neil Welsh, whilst raising funds for some fantastic charities.

      

• Name: Craig Noonan
• Age: 42
• Marital Status: Married to a long suffering wife for 17 years
• Children: 2. Aged 16 and 13. The eldest is a wannabe pro rider!
• Job Title: Head of PR
• Company name: The Co-op
• Job Function: Public Relations      

Sporting Achievements

Ridden 500 miles between the national three peaks and also walked Ben Nevis, Scaffel Pike and Snowdon. Ridden the Fred Whitton and Etape du Dales in under 8 hours. Ridden several 160-200knaudaxes. Run a few half marathons.

Motivation for the Challenge

To raise funds for Rosemere. Also to lose some weight! And become a fitter and faster bike rider. I want to tackle the Alps in a good time and a bit quicker and easier than I’ve done before.

      

• Name: Graham Elleray
• Age: 17
• Marital Status: Not letting on
• Children: See above
• Job Title: Box packer for Amazon, Tesco and John Lewis
• Company name: Exertis
• Job Function: Not letting on      

Sporting Achievements

Bike riding - lots of it

Motivation for the Challenge

It can't be as bad as sitting on a static-trainer for 8 hours!

      

• Name: Richard Robinson
• Age: 40
• Marital Status: Married to Claire
• Children: Archie 8, Albert 6, Sebastian 4
• Job Title: Partner, Head of Corporate
• Company name: Napthens LLP
• Job Function: I am a solicitor in charge of the corporate team at Napthens managing the team whilst advising clients on all aspects of buying and selling companies, fundraising and other commercial matters.      

Sporting Achievements

Before two snapped cruciate ligaments my main sport was hockey. I represented Staffordshire, Leeds University 1st XI, Cannock, Brooklands and a season in the German Bundesliga with AC Strasbourg. Having turned to cycling I completed the London-Paris in 2014 along side a number of sportives.

Motivation for the Challenge

Tony Brierley made me do it and I couldn’t argue given the two great causes we’re supporting.

      

• Name: Tony Brierley.
• Age: 64
• Marital Status: Married.
• Partners Name: Gail.
• Children: 3 kids in their 20s.
• Job Title: Partner.
• Company name: PM+M Chartered Accountants.
• Job Function: Chartered accountant and financial planner helping business owners, professionals and their families plan their finances, minimise tax and optimise investment returns.      

Sporting Achievements

Retired cross country and fell runner (knees knackered). Member of ASVAC and Clayton-le-Moors Harriers 1970 – 2000.
London Marathon 1984 – c500th in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
c200 Scottish Munros, 13 Alpine 4,000m peaks.
Fred Whitton x 3. London to Paris cycle 2014 raising funds for Blackburn Youth Zone.

Motivation for the Challenge

Impulse decision, seemed a great idea at the time; my wife Gail also wants to visit Nice.