When Nico Anelli was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease, he was determined to not let it get in the way of his burgeoning cycling career.
The Dundee man was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an intestine condition, at the age of 18.
Symptoms of the condition include inflamed bowels, a painful stomach and ulcers in the colon’s lining. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition, a malfunction in the immune system.
Nico did not let this deter him from his dream of being a professional cyclist and continued for another season after beginning at the age of 17. He even got on to the Bioracer Project Go team — one of the biggest teams in Scotland.
But after that, he noticed his race results were becoming increasingly inconsistent.
The reality of his situation hit home when he had to spent at least one day a week in hospital for three months — with the inflammation getting so bad it caused arthritis for the now 20-year old.
Despite his condition, he has remains steadfastly determined to make it as far in the cycling world as he can.
And part of that includes the launch of Real Guts Racing, an awareness-raising campaign to inspire others with bowel disease to not let it stop them from becoming athletes.
Real Guts Racing launched last night at a race in Fife Cycle Park, Lochgelly, premiering a custom kit which displays the charity name.
The Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity have lent their support behind the venture.
“When I googled to see if there were any cyclists with this condition, the results came back with zero,” Nico said.
“I want there to be something for people to see that they can do something even with such a condition.
“My goal is to compete in as high a level as I can and to get the kit on television.”
There is still a lot of mystery surrounding the condition, according to the cycling enthusiast.
“They don’t know what causes it or how to treat it,” he added.
“They know how to treat the symptoms, but not the condition itself.
“It’s a weird one to deal with. I’ve been trying a lot of trial and error with the medication so I can still cycle.
“I have been careful with what medication I take because they can be quite harsh and effect your cycling.
“I can’t remember what healthy feels like so my metric is cycling.”
Among the rare sporting names that compete despite having some for of inflammatory bowel disease include power-lifter Ali Jawad and legendary rower Sir Steve Redgrave.
