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Sport has the ability to unite, inspire and, at least for a moment, cause all else to fade into the background. Prior to the World Cup in July, I had next to no interest in cricket, but fast-forward a thrilling couple of months featuring that ‘Super Over’ and Ben Stokes’ Ashes heroics, I’m now not only a fan but – based on some vehement armchair criticism when England were bowled all out for 67 in the third Test – a self-declared expert on all forms of the game. Cast your mind back further and you’ll remember the Women’s World Cup, Tiger Woods’ comeback victory at the Masters, the all-English Champions League Final and no doubt another hugely significant event I’ve completely forgotten about.
But there is also another side to sport: away from the memories and emotions, it is how many of us choose to keep fit – and in this issue we’re celebrating that fact. Ahead of the year’s next great sporting event, the Rugby World Cup, Welsh wonder George North shares the strength and conditioning advice that has enabled his illustrious career in a game that takes no prisoners. Elsewhere, ultra marathon runner Galen Reynolds reveals how to tackle mammoth distances, writer Dominic Bliss experiences the beauty and brutality of Alpine cycling, and author Mark Turley goes into the ring to meet the professional boxers who have made a living out of losing.