A GROUP of cyclists have collectively ridden the equivalent of scaling the world’s highest mountain as part of a special challenge to mark the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain coming to The Malverns.
Malvern Cycle Sport organised the ‘Everesting’ challenge last Thursday with 19 riders ranging from novices to national standard and aged from eight to 77 taking part.
The aim was to climb from Welland to the top of British Camp on the Malvern Hills as many times as they could in an hour, with the hope of between them totalling the equivalent of riding to the top of Mount Everest – some 8,848m.
Riders were using the same stretch of course the professional cyclists will compete on for a stage of the King of the Mountains contest, a competition for specialist climbers which takes place within the main Tour of Britain race.
The group successfully completed the feat with the route climbed 48 times, giving them a collective total of 9,120m.
Ed Moseley, from Malvern Cycle Sport and one of the organisers of the challenge, said: “We hope an opportunity to watch some of the best road riders in the world on the Tour of Britain will inspire our young club members to keep improving and attract more people in general to get on their bikes and enjoy the roads and trails our area has to offer.
“Thanks to helpers from Malvern Cycle Sport and VC Sevale for making the event a success.”
The Tour of Britain arrives in The Malverns on Sunday having started at Worcester.
The race will make its way through Upton-upon-Severn at about 11.30am before reaching Welland ten minutes later and then on to British Camp, out into Herefordshire and on to the finish in Cardiff.
Malvern Hills District Council has joined forces with Upton Business Association and Upton Town Council to put on a series of events on the day in Upton to celebrate the occasion.
Taking place between 10am and 4pm, event include street entertainment, novelty bike races, street market, live music, Family Cycle Treasure Hunt, Upton Rowing Club Regatta, bike security/doctor and best dressed window competition.
Coun David Chambers, leader of the district council, said: “We’re excited to be hosting Britain’s top cycling race and are looking forward to a wonderful day and a chance to showcase all The Malverns has to offer to the nation.”
Full details are available from www.visitthemalverns.org/tob2017.
The race is also being televised live on ITV4 with highlights each day of the tour for those who missed any of the action.
