A CYCLIST has successfully pedalled from Wetzlar to its twin town, Colchester.

Keen cyclist Juergen Heiland finished his exhausting journey and now has his sights set on cycling to all of the towns in Europe twinned with Wetzlar before he retires in a couple of years.

He chose Colchester as his first destination.

Ian McMeekan, a committee member with Colchester’s twinning society greeted Juergen upon his arrival to the town and he admitted he was surprised to see the cyclist in high spirits.

“He was chirpy and alert.

“He got the boat over and cycled to Colchester the morning after.

“He is an experienced and fairly keen cyclist and was in good shape.

“I would say he has cycled over 1,700 km.”

Jeurgen set back off for Germany where he will begin to plan his next bike ride to the French town of Avignon which is also twinned with Colchester.

It will be the 50th anniversary of twinning between Colchester and Wetzlar in 2019.