Cyclists cover 16,000 kilometres in five days

Saturday 05 September 2020

Cyclists taking part in the inaugural 'Tour de France Challenge' in aid of the Sarah Groves Foundation have already completed the Guernsey equivalent of scaling Mount Everest twice.

Riders across all categories have collectively managed to amass 16,000 kilometres in the first five days of the three-week race, coupled with a combined elevation the equivalent of cycling over Mount Everest twice.

The local challenge has been organised for the first time to coincide with the famous race, the Tour de France. 

The 21-day stage race offers all participants the flexibility to ride in their own time and accumulate as much distance and elevation as physically possible. 

Just like the real thing, there are different categories ranging from overall race leader, to the King of the Mountains, and the top points scorer.

Pictured: Some of the cyclists who met up in Town this week ahead of a ride. 

As things stand, with a handicap system in play, the overall race leader after five days is Gary Hooks who has cycled 475 kilometres, closely followed by Lee Hubert and Sara James. 

The King of the Mountains leader, holding the polkadot jersey, is Chris Burrows who has managed 5,558 metres inside the current checkpoint.

The green jersey for putting in the most time on the road is currently held by Peter Champion who has racked up more than 32 hours of saddle time over 13 sessions.

"The race continues heading into stage two with all to play for. Now there are some tangible statistics on the board it gives extra impetus to all the other riders to work hard not only for themselves but for their respective teams too," said the Tour de Sez Committee. 

"The event organisers would like to say a special thank you to the Guernsey public for their ever-present and continuing support. It is thoroughly appreciated."

Pictured: A large group of the cyclists riding past Les Varendes this week.