PROFESSIONAL cyclist and Chelmsford boy Alex Dowsett is preparing for this year's Giro D'italia in Spain – yet only after first visiting the masterminds behind his beloved Mercedes.
Alex, 24, who in 2011 was crowned the fastest cyclist in the country, met with Waterhouse Cars on Monday where his car is serviced.
The garage, who specialise servicing his team's main sponsor – Volvo – are looking to associate with Alex and his new charity, Little Bleeders.
The Movistar team cyclist was diagnosed with Haemophilia as a baby, which means he bleeds fast and spontaneously due to a genetic disorder related to blood clotting.
Yet the KEGS school-boy will still compete in the 23-day Italian competition at the end of May – up against Bradley Wiggins who he took the National Time Trial title off of in 2011.
Waterhouse Cars sales manager Sue Cleveland said: "Doing the competition in the condition he is in is just remarkable.
"One fall and he could be bleeding to death."
She added: "He's a really nice lad and so passionate about his little charity."
Alex, who as a child would hide the spots where he was bleeding to avoid a dreaded injection, has displayed some of his stories on his charity website.
For more information visit www.littlebleeders.com