At work Eddy Kontelj is Caterpillar equipment dealer William Adams’ Operations Manager - Laverton and Western Victoria. - Away from the earthmoving equipment however, Eddy moves his own mountains by smashing Guinness World records on a static bike.
Geelong born and bred Eddy, 39, has become something of a regular record breaker and a new record attempt will see him again pedalling furiously in his quest to raise $100,000 for beyondblue: the national depression initiative.
Back in 2002, Eddy broke the Guinness World Record for Static Cycling riding for a total of 72 hours over three days and three nights, raising in excess of $8000 for the Asthma Foundation in the process. However, with record breaking being a competitive sport, Eddy’s mark has since been eclipsed. Not to be outdone, never-say-die Eddy is climbing back in the saddle to do it all again, this time with beyondblue: the national depression initiative as the beneficiary.
From 24 – 28 July, Eddy will return to Burnie, Tasmania, scene of his previous William Adams’ posting, and attempt to ride back into the record books with 100 hours of pedalling to take the mantle of static cycling marathon champion of the world. The cycling record involves continuously powering a static bike at an average speed of no slower than 20 km/h for as long as possible, in this case preferably 100 hours. Eddy is allowed just a five minute break every hour, which means no extended toilet breaks or sleeping and the bicycle wheel must otherwise stay in constant motion.
In preparation for the challenge, Eddy has formed the Depression Awareness Fundraiser Working Group made up of predominately William Adams and Elphinstone employees together with local Burnie community members who are donating their time to organise and promote the event and raise funds. The fundraising effort will conclude with an exclusive black tie gala ball on Saturday 18 August featuring a silent auction.
Eddy is seeking contributions to the cause, including donated auction items. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, as are limited tickets to the gala ball.