Subscribe to L2P News London, UK. 19 October 2009
Double Olympic champion, James Cracknell, and Team HotChillee have set a stunning new record for cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Cracknell and a team of three elite riders rode the 842 miles in relay in 34 hours, 54minutes and 04 seconds (34:54:04). Their average speed was a staggering 24.10mph.
Cracknell said: “It was an honour to be part of this fantastic team. This wasn’t a plod up the country. They were taking me along at 25 mph at times. It was an amazing experience to ride up the entire length of the country. Everyone was pushing themselves so hard and at times it was extremely tough. It was an incredible experience.”
L-R Steve Golla, James Cracknell, Jerone Walters and Phill Sykes
Walters (36), a Sigma Sport rider, said: "It was really tough but we pushed each other when the 35 hour mark was in our sights. We just got faster and faster over the last couple of hours. This was a great end to the season for me.”
Jerone Walters in action in Scotland
Sykes (35), a sports manager from Petersfield, said: “I’m absolutely whacked. It was an awesome experience and great fun. The support crew made it so much easier for us and I don’t think we’d have posted a sub-35 hour time without the logistical back up.”
Golla added: “The target was sub-35 hours but the weather forecast seemed to be against us at the start. Then we realised it was possible and we absolutely buried ourselves to make it. It was a great challenge.”
The new record marks the launch of next summer’s HotChillee E2E Relay Challenge. This new endurance relay ride will be open to amateur cyclists wanting to emulate the Cracknell and Team HotChillee experience.
Sven Thiele, of HotChillee, the global marketing and events company staging the world record attempt, said: "This is a tremendous achievement by James and the HotChillee team. Their power and speed was awesome. They have set a blistering record for cyclists from all over the world to chase. We couldn’t have done it without a fantastic logistical and technical crew. We hope to create the same kind of spirit in next summer's HotChillee E2E Challenge. We are so proud to be part of this fantastic endurance record."
Cracknell’s record ride was sponsored by HotChillee, Regus the world's largest provider of workspace solutions, road cycling and triathlon specialist Sigma Sport, sports nutrition manufacturer Science In Sport, sports skincare company Sportique and media and sponsorship specialists Cyclevox, who filmed the event. Sports clothing company adidas supplied Team HotChillee’s kit. B-Spoke Bikes provided mechanic support for the event.
Web specialists Map My Tracks provided real time tracking of the End To End Challenge. Details for the statistics are available at www.hotchillee.com or www.mapmytracks.com
