DODDIE’5 GRAND TOUR OF SCOTLAND AT ANNAN

5TH FEBRUARY 2025

DODDIE’5 GRAND TOUR ROLLS THROUGH ANNAN

With the sun shining down, Annan Rugby had the pleasure of hosting a 150+ strong peloton of cyclists (and their trusty support crews) as they powered through the first full day of Doddie’5 Grand Tour of Scotland – all in aid of vital Motor Neuron Disease research.

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers who kept everything running smoothly – from catering to cleaning up, your efficiency was nothing short of Tour de France level.

A special mention to 1st Dumfriesshire Scouts, who pitched in (literally!) to set up tents, providing much-needed shelter—though, for once at Annan Rugby, it wasn’t from the rain but from the glorious sunshine!

Shout-outs to our generous local businesses for keeping everyone well-fed:

R Johnstone & Sons Butcher
T A Francis & Son Bakers
Paterson’s Fruit & Veg
Tesco Annan
Farm Direct (extra kudos to Emma Back for giving up her day off to help out!)
Booker Cash and Carry Dumfries
The Pantry
Farmfoods
Harper Robertson and Shannon

And of course, the culinary legends behind the scenes:

Mrs Coupland & Annan Academy students for enough flapjacks that could have fed the 5,000 (they didn’t—there are none left).

Louise Majer & Gary Coupland for their delicious soups.

Rosie Sedgewick for her tray bakes.

Dek Rieve for his now-famous carrot cakes (who knew?!).

Also a thank you to the 3 pipers from Annan Academy

Finally, Annan Rugby’s own Sir Billy Henderson takes to the saddle tomorrow to join Team Annan/Strathaven – Andy Black, Graham Hogg, Coll Irving, Scott Irving, Tam Sloan, James Russell and Grant Neilon

With the sun still set to shine, we wish him (and all the riders) the best of luck—go smash it!

Sponsor Team Annan/Strathaven Rugby via https://www.justgiving.com/team/annan-strathaven-rugby