More than just a cycling mission

Feodor Tarrant-Hill is giving back by supporting others living with CP.

Feodor Tarrant-Hill is on a mission to find out what he can achieve, to show others what’s possible and raise money for the Cerebral Palsy Society.

Feodor, 28, was adopted from Russia at 18 months old and grew up in Wellington.

He lives with hemiplegia, which affects his right side, and impacts his balance, coordination and causes his body to tire easily. 

“After countless operations, physio, and a lot of love from my parents, I grew up determined to prove my worth.”

Feodor, right, pictured with his dad and step-mum.

Sport has always been part of Feodor’s life, from football and ultimate frisbee as a kid to discovering endurance as an adult.

“After watching the film 100 Metres, I set my sights on long-distance challenges. What began as a 30-minute wobble on an old garage bike has grown into a half ironman, 100km rides, 250km rides, and 600km over 10 days last Christmas.”

Now the Wellington resident is taking on his biggest challenge yet: a 24-hour ride on Zwift (an online cycling and running physical training programme that enables users to interact, train, and compete in a virtual world).

Feodor will be cycling in his living room, with a friend filming him, from 6pm on July 10 to 6pm on July 11 with a few meal and bathroom breaks included. 

He’s aiming to cycle for about 300km and says he’s doing this for two reasons.

“First, I’ve never seen endurance cycling and Cerebral Palsy linked anywhere, and I want to find out what I can achieve and show others what’s possible.

“Second, I was given opportunities many aren’t, and I want to give back by supporting others in the CP community.

“For a body that fatigues faster than most, 24 hours is a long time to keep the pedals turning and the thoughts at bay and that’s exactly the point.”

* Feodor is calling on people to show their support for his 24-hour cycle mission by donating to his Givealittle page.

All funds raised will go to the Cerebral Palsy Society which supports New Zealanders living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi to live their best lives.