Blades enlist pedal power in battle for Peak fitness

Pedal Peak District aims to encourage people to get on their bikes for fitness, fun and health and the Blades stars have staged several cycling sessions as part of their pre-season training.

Manager Kevin Blackwell and his players hired bikes from the Fairholmes cycle hire centre to pedal around the Derwent, Howden and Ladybower reservoirs in the Derwent Valley.

Blackwell said: "Anyone can go cycling. The Pedal Peak District project is encouraging people who haven't ridden before to give it a go and they are putting on some brilliant cycling events this summer.

"I like to give the lads a change of scene to keep their training interesting so cycling in the Peak District was too good an opportunity for the players to miss."

The ww.pedalpeakdistrict.co.uk website contains information about events to help new or improving cyclists, as well as free cycling maps and guidance on how to get started and where to go.

Johnny Ertl, who has just joined Sheffield United from Crystal Palace, said: "If you've not cycled before then you're missing out. It's an easy way to get some exercise and fresh air even if you've got a busy life.

"I really enjoy it. There are plenty of traffic free trails in the Peak District and you can find out about them on the Pedal Peak District website."

National park cycle hire centres at Derwent, Parsley and Ashbourne have a range of cycles to hire to suit all abilities including baby seats and trailers for young children and wheelchair bikes, handcranked cycles and tricycles.

For more details call 01629 816297 or send an email to [email protected]