THE baking Australian heat has not stopped Ian Gregory, who is now 1,000 miles into his epic cycling challenge.

Ian, who has fibromyalgia and arthritis and is registered disabled, set off at the start of January on his tour from Canberra to Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. He is raising money for four Island charities dubbed the Wight Unity Heroes — Challenge and Adventure, IW Pride, IW Zoo and Layla’s Trust, as well as Prostate Cancer UK.

Despite mechanical issues and an abscess on his tooth, Ian has made it to Adelaide and is confident he will reach his 1,700 mile target.

The 48 year old, who runs a building firm with wife Jackie, has also been following the Australian Tour Down Under.

He said: "I shook Peter Sagans hand today and managed to get Team Sky to sign cycling tops for me — I am over the moon."

However, his journey is not over yet.

Ian said: "Up to now on this trip I have been riding with at least one local rider, making a pair of us. However as of Saturday morning, due to unforeseen problems, I will be riding solo for at least the next 300 miles — maybe all the way back to Melbourne."

You can follow Ian's adventure on the Wight Unity Heroes Cycle Down Under facebook page.