The eight man cycle team representing the Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF completed the really extreme challenge of cycling 3000 miles arriving in Gibraltar in the early hours of 10th July. The official finishing time for the @SPFCHARITY Team K3 Zadara of 6 days, 19 hours and 7 minutes, smashed the previous course record of over 8 day. The team tackled the cycling endurance Race Across Europe (RACE) starting from Boulogne Sur Mer crossing seven countries and the really tough terrain of the Alps and the Pyrenees. The route also included the notorious Mont Ventoux in France.
The specially selected SPF 8 man team comprised of Neil Prescott, older brother of former rugby league International the late Steve Prescott MBE. Neil was joined by former professional rugby league stars Gareth Ellis (Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity) Steve Hampson (Wigan), Steve Hall (St Helens), Ewan Dowes (Hull FC), GB Triathlete Phil Ellison, Ironman and Ultra Marathon veteran Darren Harrison and experienced cycle coach Kev Humphries..
The SPF eight man team split into two teams of four and rode by cycling in rotation for short intervals. The nonstop 24 hours a day challenge tested the strength, skill and sheer willpower of all the cyclists. The whole challenge was only possible with the amazing support of 21 volunteer crew members from across the country who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the team.
#TeamPrecky has already raised over £25k in donations for the SPF and its nominated charities The Christie, the Rugby League Benevolent Fund and the SPF Special Causes Fund.
Donations can be made on the Teams Just Giving page:-
www.justgiving.com/companyteams/SPFRACEACROSSEUROPE
Ewan Dowes said:
"We’ve done it!!! Team K3 Zadara #raceacrosseurope team have won the race and smashed the record. What an unbelievable experience, a challenge and trip of a lifetime. The riders were outstanding and the support crew immense. I can’t thank them enough for their help and support on the race. Without them none of this would have been possible. We’ve managed to continue the great man, Steve Prescott’s legacy which I’m very proud of. I’ve met some great people who I now consider friends for life. The challenge was certainly the toughest both mentally and physically but I loved every minute. It was great to be taken out of my comfort zone and to compete again. The physical and mental challenge was extremely tough, roughly 12-15 hours sleep in total on a motor home with 8 other blokes, 50+ stints on the bike, unreal climbs, 35-40 degree heat. I could go on! More importantly we’ve raised some awesome awareness and funds for the @spfcharity. Can’t wait for the next challenge!"