ALLY McCOIST is back in the saddle for his latest charity cycle event – but only after dealing with a few worrying mechanical issues first!
The Scotland and Rangers icon headed off from Belfast this morning to take on the 555-mile, six-day ride around Ireland as part of the Doddie’5 Lions Challenge.
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Joining McCoist in the fundraising effort are Scotland rugby great Kenny Logan, his wife and broadcaster, Gabby, former rugby stars Mel Deane and Will Greene and actor Jamie Bamber.
The group will cover up to 100 miles a day in memory of Scotland legend Doddie Weir, who sadly passed away in 2022, and to raise money for research into motor neurone disease.
So far, the challenge has raised more than £300,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, with hopes of hitting the £500,000 mark before the final leg.
The ride will finish in Dublin on Friday where the team will deliver the match ball to the Aviva Stadium ahead of the British and Irish Lions’ clash with Argentina.
Logan says McCoist – who also took part in the 2023 charity cycle from Edinburgh to Paris – will fill the role again of trying to keep everyone’s spirits up during the gruelling ordeal.
But he revealed his close pal nearly never made it all – because he kept fiddling with his bike’s settings!
Logan said: “Ally’s been out and about but his bike broke down the other day.
“I told him not to trust himself to check the batteries on his fancy gears – someone else needs to do that for him!
“We’ve lost a few to injury and it just shows how demanding this is going to be.
“I’m not going to lie – I’ve had my own aches and pains.
“No major injuries thankfully, but I’ve definitely been reminded why I probably shouldn’t be moving this much at my age!
“I’m most nervous about the hills.
“I convinced myself Ireland was flat – it’s definitely not. But nerves are good.
“I’ve always had them before a big challenge, and it means I care.”
This year’s event is both a tribute to Weir and a rallying cry to continue his legacy.
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Logan added: “The support’s been incredible.
“We’ve still got time to push, and every penny counts.
“Since Doddie died, awareness has grown massively – but we still need to fund research.
“The Foundation has committed nearly £20 million already, which is phenomenal, but it’s only the beginning.
“Doddie would be proud – but he’d be telling us to go further and faster.
“That’s why we’re doing this.”
Seven Scots are in the Lions squad for the tour after Zander Fagerson withdrew due to injury.
Logan admits he’s disappointed winger Darcy Graham never got the nod – but thinks there might be time yet for the Edinburgh flier to make the plane to Australia.
He added: “I still think Darcy will go – there’s a lot of rugby to be played between now and then, and there will be injuries.
“We’ve seen that with Zander missing out already.
“Overall it’s great to see so many Scots in the squad – they’ll be out to make their mark in Australia and put down a marker for the Test team.”
All funds raised will support the Foundation’s mission to find effective treatments – and ultimately a cure – for motor neurone disease.
To donate or learn more, visit: https://uk2.emma-live.com/doddie5lionscycle
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