'Cycling is my medicine': Pioneer of Operation Close Pass on refusing to let chronic pain curtail his riding

Cycling policeman Mark Hodson tells us about being diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis and how it's broadened his appreciation for bikes

Mark Hodson smiling, leaning on his bike
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

This article was originally published in Cycling Weekly's print edition as part of the long-running MY FITNESS CHALLENGE series.

When he wasn’t riding “undercover” to catch out cyclist-endangering motorists, ‘Operation Close Pass’ founder PC Mark Hodson was training with his local club Tamworth RMCC. But last autumn he was diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritic condition and suddenly his attitude towards cycling had to change. 

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Freelance journalist

Trevor Ward is a freelance journalist specialising in cycling