Military Speakers Andy Grant receive cycling masterclass from Sir Bradley Wiggins ahead of 100 mile cycle

Two heroic war veterans from Liverpool have been given a cycling masterclass from Sir Bradley Wiggins as they prepare to ride a staggering 100 miles.

Andy Grant and Liam Duffy met the seven-time Olympic medallist and Tour de France champion at the launch event of the Prudential RideLondon, which they will be riding in aid of the Invictus Foundation on July 31.

Orrell Park dad Andy, 27, won two gold medals at the Invictus Games in 2014 after losing part of his leg due to a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan in 2009.

Speaking at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, he said: “Normally I’m not into riding a bike, but I saw the success and how amazing the Invictus Games were so I thought I would give it a go.

“It’s great to be back here at the Olympic Park. The last time I was here was the Invictus Games when I was watching all my friends cycle round with one arm and one leg.

 

Ex Royal Marine Andy Grant with is family at home in Orrell Park, Liverpool. The whole family. Leonie and Andy with Alba, and with Payton ( left aged 8 ) and Brooke ( right aged 6 ) Leonie's children from a previous relationship .

 

“Everyone had overcome horrific injuries and it was amazing to watch, so being back here feels really special.

“I am not a massive bike rider so when the chance to do the bike ride came up, I wasn’t really keen at first, but when I realised how much of an amazing opportunity it was, I couldn’t really say no.

Andy, from Orrell Park, said sport has helped him and his friends get back on track after their injuries.

He said: “I have seen firsthand the great work that the Invictus foundation does and how sport can change lives, and the fact that companies like Prudential are getting involved and seeing the potential that veterans have is invaluable.

“I know, through both myself and my friends, how we have been able to use sport as a real catalyst to get our lives back on track.”

 

Andy Grant, who will ride 100 miles in London this summer

 

As the largest annual cycling fundraising event on the planet, the Prudential RideLondon has raised over £17million since its inception in 2013.

And for Liam, having four-time Olympic champion Wiggins at the launch event was the icing on the cake on an inspirational day.

“I got involved with the Invictus Foundation through Andy, and just seeing what they get up to made me want to join in with the Prudential RideLondon,” he said.

“It was unbelievable to meet Bradley, because he is a legend and someone we can take loads of inspiration from ahead of the ride.

“It’s really important that big companies like Prudential help charities like Invictus because there are only a small number of servicemen and women involved with the foundation.

“We’ve have all been to Afghanistan and places like that, but there are so many more soldiers out there who need to do something like this.

“When you have been through some of the things we have and you come out of the Army, life is not the same and we all need things to do.”

The Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46 takes place on Sunday, July 31. For more information or to enter visit prudentialridelondon.co.uk