Epic four-day challenge will pass through Wales before crossing from Pembroke to Ireland in aid of MND research
CROWDS gathered outside The Greenyards in Melrose on Monday morning as cyclists set off on Doddie’s Triple Crown, a gruelling 750-mile charity ride from Scotland to Dublin.
The four-day challenge, which began on March 10, will take riders through Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, raising vital funds for research into motor neurone disease (MND).
Leading the ride are rugby greats including former British & Irish Lions players Rob Wainwright and Gordon D’Arcy, joined by Andy Nicol, world-record breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont and endurance athletes The Maclean Brothers.
Also taking part is Kathy Weir, the widow of former Scotland rugby star and MND campaigner Doddie Weir, who founded the charity before his death in 2022.
Supporters lined the streets of Melrose to cheer the riders as they departed on the mammoth journey, which will see cyclists cover between 180 and 220 miles each day.
Passing through Wales
The challenge mirrors the nations competing for rugby’s Triple Crown in the Six Nations Championship.
The route runs from Melrose to Leeds on day one, followed by a stage to Gloucester on day two.
On the third day the cyclists will head into Wales, travelling through Abertillery, Llandeilo and Carmarthen before finishing in Pembroke Dock.
From there the team will take the overnight ferry to Rosslare before completing the final stage to Dublin.
Around 12 core riders will complete the full distance, supported by a team of staff, while hundreds more cyclists are expected to join for sections of the route.
Participants have been preparing for the challenge through Doddie Aid, the foundation’s annual mass participation fundraiser, clocking up winter training miles ahead of the gruelling ride.
Riding to finish Doddie’s mission
The endurance event is the latest in a series organised by former Scotland captain Wainwright in support of the foundation, which has now committed more than £20 million to research into treatments and a cure for MND.
The campaign has already raised more than £930,000 through its JustGiving page.
Wainwright said the challenge would test riders to their limits.
“It has to be painful. Three 180 to 200-mile days in a row is relentless — the lack of sleep, the early starts and the cumulative fatigue,” he said.
“And if we get headwinds and rain the whole way it’ll be brutal. But there has to be a challenge.
“We’re all pedalling for Doddie to finish his mission to end MND. All funds raised will help the foundation do that and we’re grateful for every penny.”
Personal challenge for Kathy
Kathy Weir, 55, said she felt ready to take part in the ride to honour her late husband.
“I’m excited to ride with some of our very close friends to help continue what Doddie started,” she said.
“Doddie was so good at shouting from the rooftops and making sure everyone knew about this disease.
“Rob and so many others have done so much to keep momentum, continue fundraising and bring us closer to a cure. I’m proud to be part of this and help move things forward for people with MND.”
After reaching Dublin, Kathy and Gordon D’Arcy will also deliver the match ball ahead of Ireland’s clash with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in the final round of the 2026 Six Nations.
Pembrokeshire ferry link
The cyclists will make the crossing from Pembrokeshire to Ireland with Irish Ferries.
Nora Costello, the company’s Consumer Marketing and Sales Director, said: “We’re proud to welcome this extraordinary group of cyclists on board our Pembroke to Rosslare service as they undertake this remarkable 750-mile challenge.
“The legacy of Doddie Weir continues to inspire so many, and we’re honoured to play a small part in helping the team reach Ireland for the final leg of their journey.”
Motor neurone disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting the nerves that control movement, leading to muscle weakness. Around six people die from the condition in the UK every day, and there is currently no cure.
Last year’s fundraising ride, Doddie’s Grand Tour, raised more than £1 million for research.
Supporters can follow the challenge or donate via the event’s JustGiving page.
