Doddie’s Grand Tour
From 27–31 July 2025, a dedicated team of cyclists — including ex-British & Irish Lions and European Cup winners Roger Baird, Huw Davies, and Paul Volley — will take on an extraordinary challenge: cycling over 900 kilometres from Melbourne to Sydney in just five days to raise vital funds for MND research.
This epic journey won't be easy. Taking place during the peak of the Australian winter, riders will face freezing temperatures, long days in the saddle, and tough terrain — all in the name of a cause close to our hearts.
In 2024, Doddie’s Grand Slam raised over £216,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, visiting more than 30 rugby clubs across the UK and Europe. Now, we’re taking the fight global — partnering with FightMND and the Aussie Lions to shine a light on Motor Neurone Disease and fund the search for a cure.
MND knows no borders — and neither do we. Join us as we prepare for our boldest challenge yet. Together, we ride for a world free of MND.
The Cause
With Doddie’s MND diagnosis in 2017, the rugby community did what comes naturally and took action to support one of their own.
Over the last few years, members of Team have participated in various of Rob Wainwright’s Cycle Challenges for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. With predominately Rugby Union backgrounds, many played with (or against) Doddie Weir, others knowing him through farming or family connections.
The mud was barely washed from the spokes in 2023 as plans were being formulated for something very different in 2024 by British & Irish Lion Roger Baird, SRU ex-President Ian Barr & Doddie Aid Welsh Captain Rob Boyns.
By the summer of 2023, they had pulled together a team of 30 cyclists and support crew, including English rugby legends Paul Volley & Huw Davies. Meticulous planning by the team over the next 7 months ensured that the whole squad completed the crazy All Roads Lead to Rome challenge (also supporting a 3 lone cycle squad) without any major incident and despite the horrific weather conditions in England & Wales.
The Team raised an unprecedented £216,091 in 2024 for The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, smashing the fundraising target set for our challenge; which would not have been possible without the support of the many Sponsors we were privileged to connect with.
Going forward, the Team will continue to participate in events big and small and play a part to #tackleMND.
What’s with the Team Name?
The team name is in recognition of the mad giraffe who led the way in raising awareness and funds to find a cure for MND. It recognises that the team will visit each of the Six Nation Stadiums and the numbers reflect those brave individuals in the rugby community who have been doing their bit to raise awareness of MND through sharing their own stories.
Paul Rendall
Ed Slater
Doddie Weir
Rob Burrow
Donate
It would be fantastic if you could donate to our cause as little or as much as you can afford. Click on the big G below to be taken straight to our fundraising page.
