Sports Therapy students praised for work at Ride Across Britain

Sports Therapy students have seized the chance to fine-tune their sports massage skills by working with cyclists taking part in Ride Across Britain – a 969-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats. 

The team, consisting of 19 students from across all years of the Sports Therapy programmes, was selected based on attitude, clinical competence and the ability to work in challenging environments. They had to demonstrate a strong team ethic towards working with athletes participating in one of the UK’s toughest challenges. 

The students’ days began early, travelling to several basecamps along the main route. This allowed the students to take in the beauty of the English, Scottish and Welsh countryside before setting up their sports massage and treatment areas. The strong work ethic of the team was demonstrated as they helped the event crew to unload riders’ bags and other trucks with equipment, which was commended by the organisers. 

Treatment of the riders started in the afternoons and included student-led foam rolling classes, taping clinics, post-exercise recovery treatment and education and advice regarding injury management and recovery. This was followed by a period of down time to share experiences and relax for the rest of the evening. 

In total, the team undertook 2,392 treatments over the eight days which is a fantastic achievement and surpassed all previous years’ totals by at least 500. 

Tutor Andy Frampton said: “The feedback from the riders was extremely pleasing to hear and the students have done themselves and UCB proud. Personal thanks and high praise from Threshold Sports CEO Julian Mack and Head of Rider Services for Logistics Maz Hedley-Lewis further emphasised the student’s effort and commitment.” 

The students who volunteered for the event were: Luke Abbotts, Amelia Rowe, Bilal Baig, Paul Barnes, Dave Bean, Daisy Bennett, Kimberly Chatterton, Sam Cooksey, Kirsten Cox, Sarah DePinna, Ludovica Gagliardi, Charlotte Gomm, Jacob Holden, Norton Jones, Maryam Mehdigholi, Rosie Millichap, Brad Potter, James Waters and Frankie Wrack.