LEEDERVILLE businessman Phil Riemann overcame his depression and not only got to the start line of this month’s Perth Criterium Cycling Series, but also managed to compete in all four races.
Mr Riemann suffers from bipolar disorder and took part in the series to raise awareness of depression and to highlight the positive effects diet and exercise have in managing the condition.
“I had an ex-team-mate come to my house and make me ride in the week leading up to the race,” he said. “So he actually got me out on the bike, started to feel a little bit better the mood came up a little bit.”
Despite concern that his condition would leave him too tired to even start the race Mr Riemann raised $3640 for Black Dog Racing.
“I lasted a lot longer than what I should have,” he said.
The 36-year-old, co-owner of Riders Choice and Cranked Cafe, had set himself a target of riding for 200 minutes while being sponsored by the minute.
“The first one I lasted 25 minutes, the second I completed, the third one took 25 minutes and the last one 40 minutes, so a total of 135 minutes out of the 200,” he said.
He said pro-rider Graeme Brown also helped him raise funds.
“He actually donated a couple of his jerseys which they auctioned on the night and got $800 for the first one and $400 for the second one so that’s another $1200 that was donated to Black Dog Racing as well,” he said.
Results, page 55.