ROYAL Shakespeare Company actor Nick Holder, soon to visit the Grand Opera House in The Winter’s Tale, is looking for York cycling enthusiasts to help him train for a charity cycle ride.
Nick, who plays the Young Shepherd in the RSC’s touring production, is preparing for The London Revolution, a gruelling two-day, 180-mile cycle around London on May 18 and 19.
During his time in York from March 19 to 23, Nick needs to cycle two to four hours a day to ensure he is in tip-top condition for his big ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
“I’m a massive cycling fan,” says Nick, an RSC and National Theatre actor, who also has appeared in the BBC series Holby City and EastEnders and in the films Anna Karenina and Evita.
“I follow all the big races, like the Tour de France. Last year, in an attempt to get healthier, I thought I’d start riding myself, so I bought an Italian racing bike and entered myself into the London Revolution ride.
“I have to ride 100 miles on the first day, on a route that takes in some iconic London landmarks, and then a further 80 miles on the second day, when I’ll get to cycle around Box Hill, one of the Olympic road race locations.”
Nick entered the ride before he knew he would be touring the country in The Winter’s Tale. “But I’m not one to shirk a challenge, so I’m looking forward to performing at night, and then fulfilling my training schedule during the day,” he says.
“What I’m looking for in each of the six towns and cities we’re visiting are local cycling enthusiasts who would be happy to get in touch with me in advance to advise me on good cycling routes, and maybe cycle with me while I’m in the area.”
Already, The Press has put Nick in touch with What’s On cycling columnist Rob Ainsley to provide advice and suggestions for possible cycling partners.
Nick can be contacted via twitter on @valetudocage; anyone wishing to sponsor him can visit his justgiving page online at justgiving.com/Nick-Holder1
Tickets for The Winter’s Tale at the Grand Opera House, York, can be booked on 0844 871 3024 or atgtickets.com/york
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