A local cyclist is preparing to take on the challenge of scaling Mount Everest in one continuous virtual ride next month.
28-year-old Knutsford-based cycling enthusiast Rick Price will use online training program Zwift – which enables users to interact, train and compete in a virtual world – to tackle a single activity hill climb where he will endure 8,848km (around 8.5 climbs of the Alpe du Zwift) and the equivalent height of Mount Everest on a stationary trainer.
Throughout the duration of the ride, the resistance of the stationary trainer bike will also increase and decrease to simulate the climb and descent of a hill.
This will give Rick what is known as a simulated “road ride” experience.
And not only will Rick be attempting this mammoth challenge that many of us could barely even begin to imagine in just one ride on one day, but he has also set his own personal challenge of completing it in under the 10 hour and 37 minute time.
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10 hours and 37 minutes was the time set by professional road racing cyclist Mark Cavendish – who is known as one of the all-time cycling greats, with 30 Tour De France stage wins under his belt.
But he’s set his sights high for a very good reason.
Through tackling the ride of his lifetime, Rick is raising funds for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which is leading suicide prevention movement tackling the stereotypes of masculinity, suicide – known as the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK – and mental health to help save lives.
CALM also provides a free and anonymous helpline – 0800 58 58 58 – as well as a webchat service (5pm-12am daily), which is staffed by trained professionals.
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Rick has launched a JustGiving fundraiser ahead of the ride, which will take place on Sunday 21st March.
Speaking on his reasons for choosing to support CALM through this challenge, Rick said: “I chose to ride in support of CALM as I have had my own struggles in the past and continue to manage them,
“Cycling has really helped improve my wellbeing in every aspect of life.
He continued: “Too many young men lose their lives, as they think they have run out of options or chances in life [and] it’s understandable, life is daunting, more than this ride could ever be [but] CALM works towards making sure people always know there is hope.
“If any money raised can go towards preventing more unnecessary deaths, the tragedy it brings with it, and helping improve the conversation around mental health, then it’s been a success.”
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To donate to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to help Rick reach his £2,000 target, and to find out more about his Mount Everest challenge, head to his JustGiving page here.
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Manchester City to open pop-up pub in honour of John Stones and Bernardo Silva
Danny Jones
Manchester City are setting up a special pop-up to celebrate John Stones and Bernardo Silva as they prepare to leave at the end of this season.
Having spent nearly two full decades at the Etihad Stadium between them, Stones and Silva will be toasting their departure in true Northern fashion: with their very own Man City pub of the same name.
Come on, you have to admit it: ‘The Stones and Silva’ has a nice ring to it.
Opening for just a few days later this month, before the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign and their final appearances in City colours, this is your time to cheers their careers.
Pouring pints from Thursday, 21 May until the end, Cityzens are being encouraged to come along and raise a glass to two of their team’s most successful stars.
Taking over the legendary Star and Garter on Fairfield Street in Manchester city centre, as per an official press release from the club, “The Stones & Silva will feature themed décor inspired by the pair’s unforgettable moments in sky blue.”
As arguably two of the most important players during the Manc side’s most prolific period for winning silverware, it feels only fitting that Blues give them a proper send-off.
Entry will be available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the event, and you can expect plenty of supporters to come through the doors.
The chosen picture for the pub’s hanging inn sign is inspired by the iconic snap of the Gallagher brothers back at the start of the Oasis mania.
MCFC’s The Stones and Silva pop-up pub will open at the following times:
Thursday, 21 May: 4pm-11pm
Friday, 22 May: 4pm-11pm
Saturday, 23 May: 12pm-11pm
Sunday, 24 May: 12pm-8pm
Better still, in collaboration with official partners Asahi, the first 100 fans through the doors each day will be able to get their hands on a FREE beer. Be rude not to at least try and turn up early…
Elsewhere at the club, the drinks have already been flowing in and around Etihad Campus, as Man City Women finally lifted another league title. See some of the party scenes down below.
Featured Images — Manchester City Football Club (publicity pictures)
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BBC announces David Attenborough is returning to narrate Blue Planet III
Emily Sergeant
The BBC has announced that Sir David Attenborough will be returning to narrate Blue Planet III.
The original Blue Planet was broadcast across the globe to huge success more than 25 years ago now, and then in 2017, the follow-up Blue Planet II revolutionised our perception of life in the oceans.
But, as the BBC said, this was ‘only the beginning’, as it’s now announced that Sir David Attenborough will provide the narration for the forthcoming Blue Planet III.
This brand-new series is set to build on the groundbreaking legacy of the previous two series by ‘redefining the realm of possibility’ in underwater wildlife filmmaking.
Producers say it will reveal new and untold stories from magical underwater worlds.
Blue Planet III is coming – and Sir David Attenborough is providing narration for the new series!
“Combining our deeper understanding of the oceans with a whole new generation of camera technology including splash drones, long-term remote underwater cameras and a ‘mini dome’, we can now showcase stunning stories and extraordinary behaviours, previously impossible to film or only recently discovered,” a description for Blue Planet III on the BBC website reads.
Where Blue Planet II exposed the threats to our oceans, Blue Planet III will also explore stories of adaptation and resilience in this changing world, along with stories of hope and recovery.
Speaking ahead of the series’ release, Jack Bootle, who is the BBC’s Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning, commented: “I’m thrilled that David is taking the helm of Blue Planet once again.
“His extraordinary talent for storytelling has shaped the way generations of audiences understand and connect with the natural world, and his voice remains synonymous with the very best of the BBC’s natural history output.
“I’m absolutely delighted that he’ll be once more bringing his unique skill and authority to Blue Planet III.”
Emily Sergeant -
17th February 2021 
