Cyclists leave BT Murrayfield in 500-mile match ball delivery challenge

The Doddie Cup 500, part of Doddie Aid 2022, saw the cyclists leave Edinburgh at 10am with the challenge of reaching Cardiff by 12noon on Saturday in order to deliver the ball in time for the 2.15pm kick-off.

Scottish Rugby President Ian Barr presented former Scotland captain and inspiration behind Doddie Aid, Rob Wainwright, with the match ball shortly before they set off.

The group contained a host of Scotland players of the past, including Iwan Tukalo, Duncan Hodge, Craig Joiner, Ian Smith, Carl Hogg, Graham Marshall and Rory Lawson.

Wainwright said: “The forecast was the odd shower coming in, but I think we’ll be lucky.

“Some 500 miles, 48 hours, it’s going to be a tough call, sleep will be a luxury that we’re looking forward to when we get there.

“But it’s all worth it if we get down there and Scotland do well.

“We’ve had some great support.

“For me this is all about fundraising, there’s a challenge here and everyone’s going to be testing themselves but hopefully we can get the message out there.

“Let’s hope we can help Doddie find treatments for MND and one day a cure.

“Doddie is loved in Scotland and beyond these borders as well, he’s a really nice guy and everyone just wants to help him out.”

Hodge said: “We’re just going to see how it goes, a lot will depend on the weather and who is tired and who isn’t.

“I don’t think there’s any sort of set strategy, we’ll just crack on and see what happens!

“I played with Doddie at Scotland, it’s a fantastic cause.

“I think in a bizarre way everyone’s really looking forward to it, looking forward to raising some money and awareness.

“And it’s a great set of people as well, so it’ll be great fun.”

You can donate to the Doddie 500 Cup HERE.