A new cycling club has been launched specifically for people involved in the profession and business of dentistry. Club Vélo Apollonia has been set up by cycling fanatics Matthew Clover (principal orthodontist at Mid-Wessex Orthodontics in Salisbury) and Richard Porter (restorative consultant at St George's Hospital, Tooting).

Club Vélo Apollonia plans to have rides all over the country, taking in some of the most iconic climbs and going through some spectacular areas. The rides cater for cyclists of all abilities, with riders being split into groups of different speeds. Coffee stops are mandatory and offer a great chance to swap ideas and training tips with colleagues, as well as provide the opportunity to meet new people who have a shared understanding of some of the stresses and strains that can come with working within the dental industry.

Club co-founder Matthew Clover said: 'I find my time in the saddle very therapeutic. Not only does it keep my fitness up, but after spending a day in the surgery it feels great to get out into the fresh air and countryside. It is also good thinking time and helps to reduce stress levels. Physically it can be very demanding, but there is a great social element to it, too.'

Fellow club founder Richard feels similarly, 'Cycling is about freedom, fitness, friends, endorphins, pain, joy, effort, scenery and the quiet drone of rubber on tarmac with no other noise.'

Future club plans include overseas training camps with professional cycling training, combined with verifiable CPD lectures and bigger challenges like Land's End to John O'Groats or London to Paris.

With increasing levels of stress on dentists, professional isolation and the importance of keeping physically fit, there is no better time to join a group of like-minded individuals and enjoy some time in the saddle.

More information about how to get involved can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clubveloapollonia.