REDDITCH and Bromsgrove athlete and former world champion duathlete Helen Russell is attempting to climb the legendary Mont Ventoux in France three times in one day to raise money for Air Ambulance – and is calling on other keen cyclists to join her.
Helen will be taking part in the ‘Ultimate Ventoux Challenge’ on June 25 to raise money for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and its sister charity, the Children’s Air Ambulance. Both services are based at Coventry airport, with the local air ambulance flying an average of three missions per day and the Children’s Air Ambulance which flies babies and children from general hospitals to life-saving care at specialist centres across the UK.
The 137k route includes more than 4,400 metres of climbing in notoriously unpredictable conditions, where temperatures can reach 40c and wind speeds of 200 mph have been recorded.
Mont Ventoux, known as the Giant of Provence, is 1,912 meters high, with long stretches of road in excess of 10 to 12 per cent gradient.
The mountain is part of this year’s Tour de France route but whereas the professionals will only climb it once, Helen will attempt to climb the mountain three times via three different routes.
Helen is no stranger to cycling challenges having being part of the One Day Ahead team, which cycled the entire route of last year’s Tour de France one day ahead of the professionals to raise £1 million for Cure Leukaemia.
“Last year’s Tour de France didn’t go up Mont Ventoux so I feel I have unfinished business,” said Helen.
“Everyone with a passion for cycling should climb this mountain as it’s one of the sport’s most iconic locations. Ultimate Challenge Ventoux is perfect for anyone who wants to really push themselves and see just what they’re capable of and I would encourage them to sign up and ride with me and the Air Ambulance team.”
Success in the challenge will gain riders entry into the exclusive Club de Cingles du Mont Ventoux, which recognises the achievement of riders from around the globe who complete the challenge.
To find out more about Ultimate Challenge Ventoux and to ride for The Air Ambulance, visit http://bit.ly/1Q7lIM8 or call 08454 130 999 or email [email protected]
