Magnificent seven raise over £10k for Steve Prescott Foundation with epic cycling challenge

CULCHETH based sandwich bar owner Ian Barker was part of a team of seven cyclists to conquer the Mont Ventoux cycling challenge, helping raise over £10,000 for the Steve Prescott Foundation.

Ian, owner of Brunch Sandwich Bar in the village, recently completed the epic charity challenge with 6 other cyclists for the Steve Prescott Foundation established to provide funds for both The Christie Hospital and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, which offers help to those who have been seriously injured playing one of the world’s toughest sports.

Mont Ventoux has been stirring things up in the Tour de France world since it was first introduced over 60 years ago. It became infamous when it claimed the life of the British rider Tom Simpson in 1967 and has since become a Mecca for cyclists from all over the world wanting to battle this iconic moonscape of a climb.
Commenting on the experience Ian said:”From my own personal point it was one of the toughest challenges I’ve trained for. We got lucky with the weather as Mont Ventoux often has high winds but we got clear blue skies. The relentless climbing took it toll going into the last climb from the village of Sault as this was the longest ascent. At this stage the weather was 28 degrees and no real shade on the mountain. “Personally I broke the challenge down into stages and when I turned at Chalet Reynard I knew I had 6km to go and although it was an average of 9% gradient for those 6km I just grinded it out and then enjoyed the descent back to Malaucene. It was a great achievement by all 7 cyclists and a challenge that if Stephen was still with us today he would have hugely welcomed. The support team was fantastic and made sure we was well fuelled (with a few Brunch Flapjacks as well). I’d like to thank everyone that has donated its hugely appreciated.”

The magnificent seven

The ‘Club des Cinglés de Mont Ventoux’ translates as the ‘brotherhood of the Ventoux nutters’ – very apt for anyone that cycles up Mont Ventoux three times in a day – 4443m of ascent in 136km!
Donations can still be made by CLICKING HERE