LIVINGSTON LOCAL PEDALS FROM LONDON TO PARIS WITH SKY
Keen cyclist, Mike Muldoon took on the challenge of a lifetime when he signed up for Team Sky Challenge and committed to a gruelling London to Paris bike ride.
The Edinburgh father, who works as a Developer at Sky Livingston, was one of a few brave Sky employees who decided to take on the 300 mile long cycle.
Dedicated Mike (43) who has been working at Sky for three years, also provided mentoring and support to other cyclists taking part in the London to Paris event, as well as to those taking on the impressive La Pinarello cycle marathon.
Mike said: “I have been a keen cyclist since my teens; however my passion inevitably gave way to study, work and family. Around four years ago I was convinced to get back on my bike by a group of enthusiastic cycling Dads at my child’s school. After a quick online visit to eBay I had a new bike and could take to the road again.
“Once I had caught the cycling bug, I couldn’t refuse Sky’s offer to take part in the London to Paris cycle and assist other amateur cyclists in completing the challenge.”
In preparation for the event, Sky – the principal partner of British Cycling – encouraged bike-mad Mike to step up his training. In order to be fit for the ultimate cycling test, the Developer took on regular workouts on the turbo trainer, as well as intensive daily bike rides in the East Lothian countryside.
After several months of hard work, and 300 miles of physical and mental endurance, the Livingston local made it to the magnificent Eiffel Tower finish line in Paris.
Mike said: “France is the spiritual home of cycling and somewhere I had always wanted to ride. I will never forget the amazing countryside in France and the final few kilometres into Paris, first seeing the Eiffel Tower come into view and then riding along the Seine, before finally catching a glimpse of the Arc De Triomphe in the last few hundred metres of the race.
“Although I have ridden in some big events, the London to Paris cycle was a completely different experience. The camaraderie in our team was great and seeing the cyclists I had mentored over the course of the year achieve their goals was inspiring.”
After successfully completing the once in a lifetime challenge, Mike had the opportunity to see Team Sky cyclist, Chris Froome cross the Tour de France finish line in first position.
Mike said: “The atmosphere in Paris was electric. Being able to watch the pro-riders on the final stage of the Tour de France and see fellow Sky cyclist Chris Froome win the iconic event was a truly unforgettable experience: one for which I cannot thank the Sky Team Challenge enough.”
Sky prides itself on creating a fantastic working environment for its people, organising activities to help provide all its employees with a great work-life balance; including cycle rides, community volunteering, charity fundraising and regular visits from Sky’s television personalities.
All employees receive free Sky TV, broadband and talk (telephone service) in addition to standard staff benefits.
Submitted by Corrie Campbell
