IT'S not every day you complete a 100-mile bike ride with 50,000 other cyclists.
And it's certainly not usual to cross the finish line alongside a political charmer like Boris Johnson.
But that was the experience of one Swansea man, after taking part in the Prudential London to Surrey charity fundraiser last weekend.
Stephen Donnelly realised he was about to accompany the London mayor over the finish line as the crowds got more animated on his approach.
The 28-year-old was cycling with his father Peter to raise money for Bone Cancer Research Trust, in memory of his brother Peter who died from osteosarcoma in 2008.
He said: "At the last 25 miles I noticed a lot more cheering from the crowds and soon noticed Boris Johnson cycling up ahead.
"I toyed with the idea of getting a photo crossing the finishing line with him but thought it was a bit of a long shot — plus he was going slow and I felt the need to overtake, saying hello and wishing each other well as I went."
Stephen thought he had the Tory icon, but soon heard cyclists passing him in the last few miles warning him 'Boris is coming'.
He added: "He was in the middle of a pack of cyclists who were really going for it over the last few miles so I joined them for the last sprint to the finish.
"The atmosphere was amazing as we reached the centre of London, cyclists digging for their last scraps of energy and the crowds egging us on, with our section getting some extra encouragement thanks to Mayor Johnson.
"He was surprisingly quick."
The Donnellys hope to raise £1,500 for Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT), which aims to improve outcomes for people affected by primary bone cancer.
Paul Donnelly was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2004 when he was aged just 16.
The former Gorseinon College student underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, but passed away in October 2008 — shortly after enrolling at Swansea Metropolitan University to study a 3D animation degree.
To donate money to the Donnellys in aid of Bone Cancer Research Trust, visit uk.virgin moneygiving.com/team/Donnelly6
