John retired as a postman from the Royal Mail a number of years ago. He is well known locally as a very good club cyclist – over many years he has been one of our region’s top amateur time trialists, and in his time has been very competitive at cyclocross and road racing.

Back in the 1960s there were a lot of cycle races held around the Lake District, and they often finished in a sprint on Morecambe promenade. John was often in the leading pack in these sprints, and although he didn’t manage to win he came close a few times. He has raced just about all his adult life, from representing the RAF while he was on national service to being veterans champion for his club in his final race year.

He packed in racing when he was 70, matching the time he achieved for his first competitive time trial from when he was in his thirties – just over 26 minutes for 10 miles.

John is obviously going to lead this Wrynose campaign – there’s no one better. He will get me and my bike in shape at the same time as putting up with all my whingeing, whining, puffing and blowing.