Cycling - Intrepid pair tackle TransAlps event (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cycling - Intrepid pair tackle TransAlps event

10:30am Saturday 18th July 2009 in Sport By Gazette Sports

TWO Wheelbase.co.uk team riders are heading to Europe to compete in one of the world’s toughest mountain bike races – the TransAlps from July 18-25.

The race is run over eight consecutive days, covering 385 miles with a vertical gain of 65,000 ft across technically demanding terrain.

In all, 550 teams of two will traverse the magnificent Alps through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

Yesterday Mike Wardle (21) and Bruce Spilsbury (21) graduated from University of Cumbria’s campus in Ambleside in Outdoor Studies and then left immediately for Germany to prepare for the start on Saturday in Füssen (Germany).

The aim is tol finish this epic challenge in Riva del Garda (Italy) the following Saturday.

UK residents will be able to stay updated on the event with morning and evening webcasts and the event will be broadcast on television throughout Europe.

Staveley-based cycle superstore Wheelbase.co.uk are supporting the duo with bikes, clothing, equipment and energy food for this epic event.

“Dust, high altitude, baking heat and severe terrain are going to test Mike and Bruce to breaking point but we’re certain their Lake District breed determination will pull them through and up the rankings.

“They have been training hard in mountain bike endurance events around the UK and deserve to do really well,” Toby Dalton, Director of Wheelbase.co.uk More information at: http://www.bike-transalp.de/englisch/