On Friday 15th June, our Netherlands-based brand ambassador, Ryan van der Veer, aims to become the youngest ever to complete the bi-cingles ride on Mont Ventoux. That's 6 ascents of the mountain in 24 hours.
Ryan, 17 years old, started cycling just 2 years ago after shin splints put a halt to his running career. With limited cycling experience he set himself a truly mad challenge. This week, he will attempt to join the ranks of the Cingles du Mont Ventoux (the madmen of Mont Ventoux) by taking on a feat completed by just over 200 riders in history: 6 times up and down Ventoux within 24 hours.
The Stats
There are 3 roads to the top of Ventoux. The Cingles Ride, which Ryan has already competed as a training ride, takes the rider up and down each road in a single day to total 137km and 4400m of climbing. Each climb takes over 2 hours and is something most riders consider a huge achievement. The Bi-Cingles challenge will take on each climb twice in a 274km epic with 8800m of climbing.
The Cause
This challenge is in memory of Calan Todd who left us too early, just before his 2nd birthday, as a result of sudden septicaemia (sepsis).
Ryan's donation page is here
Donations will go to a foundation that that does incredible things for babies and children in the most desperate need in South Africa. Their motto is “We change the lives of those who have no hope.”
Team effort
On the day Ryan will have the encouragement and support of Shutt Velo Rapide's Phil, already a member of the ‘Cingles family’ and one of the few to have completed the bi-cingles ride – here’s a link telling Phil’s Bi-Cingles story Epic ride blog.
Richard O’Connor (Madmule Fitness) has shared invaluable knowledge on the preparation for endurance events, especially given Ryan’s age and Richard’s experience with coaching elite level young athletes.