Ultra6 – a team of 5 Yorkshire cyclists are attempting the first world record to cycle into space!
Ben Wood, Matt Robinson, Andy North, Nick Jovanovic and Jimmy Welsh are set to attempt this first of its kind challenge ‘lifting off’ on 6th July. Each team member will attempt to cycle 100,000ft of vertical ascent and descent on the famous Mont Ventoux which means 25,000ft of vertical ascent and descent each day. Nothing remotely close to this total ascent in one go has ever been attempted before, to put this challenge into perspective – when you look out of your aeroplane window, this is virtually the height the men will cycle during each 24hr period!
The team are hoping to achieve this record by making a total of 19 ascents and descents in as short a time as possible – just three and a half days! During this time they will only have around 4hrs sleep in a 24hr period and will be struggling against heat exhaustion on the lower sections followed by cold and wind on the higher sections.
This is not the first challenge that Ultra6 have attempted. They set an extreme UK world record in August 2013 by each team member running a marathon and cycling 100 miles each day for 7 consecutive days.
Their objectives are to demonstrate how major cycling barriers can still be achieved. Andy North says “We hope that this record will be one that many people will be attracted to try and break, just like the hour record has taken off, the race to space record will be there to try and beat.”
Ultra6 have contributed to over £120,000 for good causes with their challenges so far with the main focus on ‘ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’ who they continue to support with this challenge. This is a very worthy charity who provide financial assistance and lifelong support to serving and retired soldiers and their families.
For more information on Ultra6 visit www.ultra6.org
You can also make a donation at justgiving.com/racetospace
