Meet the riders: Paul Wheller, SLR

Paul Wheller is a Director - Transport Engineering at SLR, a global consultancy that helps organisations deliver practical sustainability solutions. This is his fifth Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM and he’s back as a Ride Captain once again. He has some wise words for first time riders. 

Tell us about yourself and what you’re working on right now:

My role is running the Transport Engineering team in London, I’m currently working on two large strategic development sites both around 4,000 homes in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

How did you get involved in Cycle to MIPIM? 

I did my first Cycle to MIPIM in 2019 and it’s been great to be part of the Club Peloton family ever since, making some great friends while raising money for three fantastic charities at the same time.

How long have you been cycling and how did you get into it? 

I have always had bikes as a kid, but the road cycling became more part of my life just over 10 years ago, probably when the football and other sports took their toll on my knees!

What have you most enjoyed about riding previous Cycle to MIPIMs? 

It’s always been the camaraderie, with everyone working together as a team to get to Cannes as one.

What are you most looking forward to? 

The Alps. Unfortunately I missed Day 5 last year as the peloton travelled through the snow-capped mountains. I go there every year in the summer so really want to cycle through it when the snow’s around: although hopefully not too much snow.

What are you dreading? 

The early mornings, 4:45am alarms, enough said.

How are you approaching training? 

Trying to get out whenever I can, whether that be commuting, on the mountain bike, gravel bike or the road bike, and mostly on Zwift given the weather and lack of light of an evening.

Any top tips for new riders? 

Double bib shorts! And just try and enjoy it, it’s a great experience.

What would you most like to get out of the event? 

To catch up with some new and old friends on the ride, which without realising is the best networking.

What does the fundraising mean to you? 

I’ve been lucky to meet Mike Grisenthwaite, CEO of Cyclists Fighting Cancer, a few times and I find him very inspirational with all he does.  So, seeing what the money we raise across all three charities does for young lives is fantastic to be a part of.

What changes does your business expect to see over the next year? 

With the governments focus on delivering more homes, we are seeing that SLR can provide a wide range of services to support Developers unlock and deliver sites.

You can sponsor Paul here.