Dave Pitman and Gavin Johns are two friends who decided to attend Wales’ final Rugby World Cup group game in Brittany in their own light aircraft. The two private pilots flew out to France on Friday before soaking up the tournament atmosphere in Nantes. The pilots had previous experience of flying to France in their light aircraft for the famous Le Mans motor race earlier this year.
“Crossing the Channel can be a little nerve-wracking because we’re in a single-engine plane, so you have to take a lot of safety measures, but other than that it’s a bit of an adventure,” said Gavin. The sense of relief and achievement upon landing was fantastic, however, if the weather is not suitable, the two pilots turn back. The two pilots departed from St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan on Friday and flew home on Sunday.
They are not the only fans who have found novel ways of traveling to the tournament. Mike Kelly from Pembrokeshire has spent five weeks cycling more than 1,600 miles to attend the four group matches. He decided to cycle after being diagnosed with epilepsy which made it impossible for him to drive.
Mike has managed to make it to each city except Bordeaux, where he had a bout of food poisoning. He was motivated to push on by thinking of the charity Tŷ Hafan, which he is raising money for. His trip will end this week as he returns home to Wales. “My son Sam did ask if I was going to – but to be honest, I think my wife Kate might not be there if I go back out again. I risk scurvy as well – I haven’t eaten anything but croissants and kebabs for five weeks. So I’m desperate for some vegetables,” he said
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