2,500-mile cyclist to defy pain

The 49-year-old, shown left loading his bicycle onto the caravan that will be home for the journey, watched by son Steven, 13, recently aggravated an old back problem when he picked up a watering can and has been in a lot of pain and unable to train for two weeks.

But he feels dropping out would by impossible given his late wife's physical achievements, including a 4,000 mile cycle ride across America while being treated for cancer.

Mr Tomlinson, of Rothwell, Leeds, will be joined by his daughter Rebecca, 22, and, for much of the way, by Steven.

They expect to cycle about 80 miles a day, passing through 10 countries.

Picture: Gary Longbottom.