Wolstencroft's road to Europe
Wolstencroft is one of 150 athletes from the UK, France and Belgium who will swim, cycle and run in three cities in one day to celebrate Eurostar’s partnership with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – the first event of its kind.
The 41-year-old, who played rugby union for Cardiff and Sale, will travel Eurostar’s unique route around Europe to complete a 1.5km swim in the Bassin de la Villette in Paris followed by a 40km ride on the roads around Brussels’ King Baudouin I Stadium and finishing with a 10km run in London’s Regents Park.
And after being handpicked for the record breaking challenge as one of just 20 UK competition winners, Wolstencroft, who was selected by a panel of judges including double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, admits he’s counting down the days to the September 14 start.
“I can’t wait for the day, it is going to be a brilliant event to be part of and I’m really pleased to have got the chance to take part,” said Wolstencroft.
“I did a couple of triathlons last year and just found myself getting really into it and it is something that I really enjoy doing.
“Since I have started doing them I have lost a quarter of my body weight and I have felt brilliant doing it so when I was shown the Tri-City-Athlon I was determined to do it.
“I was prepared to pay for the privilege but then I saw it was a case of putting yourself forward and being selected so I just went for it and I’m lucky enough to have been picked.”
Wolstencroft is no stranger to pushing his body to the limits after inspiring people to donate 1,688 pints of blood in a month by completing the Lake District Marathon – Britain’s toughest marathon course. And after raising five per cent of the country’s yearly donations under his own steam, Wolstencroft is bidding to do it all again on the back of the unique tri-city adventure.
“I didn’t feel comfortable asking people for money when I did the Lake District event so eventually I struck on the idea of asking people to donate blood rather than give money,” added Wolstencroft, who is helping Eurostar unite Europe in celebration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We ended up with 1,688 pints donated across the world in 32 days which is over five percent of the country’s total blood donations and we had 1,000 people donating who had never donated before.
“This time I am asking people to donate a pint of their blood for every 50m that I cover on the run, swim and bike.
“It will be a great achievement if we can do it and I am sure we will be able to – I just have to make sure I hold up my end of the bargain over the course of the day.”
Eurostar is the Official International Rail Services Provider to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Find out more about the world’s first ever Tri-City-Athlon or book tickets to travel on Eurostar by visiting http://www.eurostartricityathlon.com
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