A FRENCH Champagne House will be put to the limits in this year’s Fred Whitton Challenge Saddleback Challenge this Sunday.
Champagne Lallier, an artisan Champagne House based in Aÿ (also home to Bollinger) has agreed to let their bespoke bike make its debut on the gruelling 112-mile road race. Built by hand to bring together the best elements of cycling technology, the bicycle was hand built to reflect the innovative way Champagne Lallier craft their wine.
Founded in Aÿ in 1906 Champagne Lallier has significant holdings of Grand Cru vineyards and a high tech cellar, yet is wholly owned by winemaker Francis Tribaut. Free to craft wine in the spirit of an artisan domaine, Francis vinifies each parcel separately using a ‘house’ yeast and keeps dosage low to create a range of Champagnes with real character and finesse.
Similarly innovative, David Chambers, an avid bike builder from the Yorkshire hospitality sector, lovingly hand-built the bicycle using high specification Shimano gears, a Mavic Cosmic pro carbon wheelset and, of course, Champagne Lallier corks to finish off the handlebars.
Adam Youds will now test the limits of the bespoke model on the Fred Whitton Saddleback Challenge. Riding in support of the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team he will start the race at Grasmere and take in the steep climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose passes.
Speaking after a training session Adam said: “This is the first time I’ve attempted the Fred Whitton Challenge. I quite literally have "all the gear" although I’m sure I have no idea how hard the race will be. I’m honoured that the team at Lallier have let me premiere their custom built, light as a feather, top spec road bike - as beautifully crafted as each bottle of Champagne Lallier, which I’m looking forward to celebrating with at the finish.”
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