CYCLING postman Steve McEwan is back in the saddle in a big way after a miraculous recovery from a horrific accident that should have sidelined him for the season.

But less than four months after tearing a calf muscle clean off the bone, mountain biker Steve roared back to retain his Masters Trophy at the International Mountain Bike Cup event at Alamya in Turkey.

It's a terrific achievement and Steve is quick to point out that it would not have been possible had it not been for the efforts of Norden-based sports injury massage therapist, Malcolm Stephenson.

After the accident, when he collided with a tree during the National Championships in Buith Wells, Wales Steve thought he was going to be out for a real lengthy spell.

"I wasn't expecting to race again this season," said Steve, "as it is I have only been out three months and to come back and win in Turkey after an injury like that is fantastic. "The leg was three times the size it should have been and the muscles had wasted away to nothing, but with Malcolm's help I was back so much sooner than I imagined - it's tremendous and I can't thank him enough."

Steve's bosses at the Post Office in Bury will be echoing those sentiments - for Steve RUNS on his round popping the letters through the doors at a rate of knots.

Steve is sponsored by Klein Leisure Lakes and rides a £2,000 27-gear Klein Attitude Pro bike in the National Points Series events up and down the country.

With a £25 entry fee for each race - £40 in Turkey - its an expensive sport, costing up to £4,000-a-year to compete - and then there's the travel costs to add on top!

But its all worth while when you come up with a result like Steve's in Turkey - and to retain the title to boot makes it extra special.

But he's not finished yet.

"It was a lot tougher in Turkey this year. The course around Alamya Castle was much more difficult, but I'll be there again next year and who knows, third time luck and all that and I might just get the hat-trick!

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