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Tour de Ryder Cup: Day 4: Celtic Manor - Walton Heath

The team collect pin flags from Walton Heath L-R Andy Crowther, Rick Gillgrass, Andrew Walker, Darren Tordoff

There’s really only one word to describe today. Tough.

Having parked up overnight in the media compound at Celtic Manor, we emerged from the tour motorhome at 7:30am to all the security hustle and bustle you’d expect on the first day of a great event like the Welsh Open.

With fond memories and in glorious sunshine, we bade farewell to the majestic Celtic Manor and saddled up for the long and challenging 140 mile route to Walton Heath.

Hills were a regular feature of today’s ride, especially as we traversed from Wales into England and over the Surrey Downs. Our route went slightly awry when we entered England via the wrong bridge and had to backtrack to Wales, only to re-enter England sometime later via the old Severn Bridge.

Day 4 - Celtic Manor - Walton Heath
Image: Day 4 - Celtic Manor - Walton Heath

Anyone who’s cycled the kind of distances we’re covering will know that umpteen hours in the saddle takes its toll on the body – to pedal these distances day-in-day-out is a whole other ball game.

There were some brighter moments to lighten the day; as we approached a particularly picturesque Cotswold village, we inadvertently cycled into the film set of a forthcoming Sky TV drama series. The director – quick to spot talent, decided that four blokes in lycra would add to the cinematic creation and asked us to backtrack, before riding into the village again, this time with the cameras rolling.

Several takes later and with Equity disclaimers duly signed, we left the village with a modest appearance fee, which will further boost the Tour de Ryder Cup’s fundraising total.

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 Despite the hills, the distance, a puncture at Aldershot and intermittent showers throughout the day, we arrived at Walton Heath at 6:15pm in fair spirits.

Pin flags duly collected, we did what any man would do after 140 miles in the saddle and we headed straight for the nearest pub.

Lowlights: Today was tough riding

Highlights: Collecting pin flags from Walton Heath to add to our growing collection and making an unexpected appearance on a film set. Fame beckons!

Don’t forget to check our Sky Sports blog again tomorrow for the latest Tour de Ryder Cup happenings, or catch up with us on route at https://twitter.com/TourDeRyderCup or https://www.facebook.com/tourderydercup.

Donations in support of our efforts can be made at www.justgiving.com/teams/TDRC.

Andy Crowther, Darren Tordoff, Andrew Walker and Rick Gillgrass

Tomorrow: Stage 5 – Walton Heath  - Wentworth – The Belfry

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