Cyclists brave heat for charity

4:49pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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While most of Sussex basked on the beaches, hundreds of cyclist braved the blistering heat to complete a gruelling bike ride in aid of The Argus Appeal.

About 220 people worked up a sweat on the hottest weekend of the year to take part in the 105-mile South Downs Challenge.

The riders were split into two groups, with half cycling from Beachy Head to Winchester and the rest in the opposite direction.

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Legal and general and Warburtons, will go the the Argus Appeal charity.

Organisers were confident the event will raise more than the £40,000 generated by last year's cycle ride.

Elsa Gillio, Argus Appeal co-ordinator, said: "The weather was great, the hottest for the past six years and was nothing a seasoned cyclist could not deal with.

"Last year the weather was awful and we were dealing with hypothermia. We had the worst possible torrential rain.

"This year everyone has had an absolutely fantastic time. Who wouldn't in this weather? And every single penny collected will go to charity.

"Last year we raised a terrific amount of money but we want to beat that. We are confident we will beat it."

The cyclists camped overnight in Midhurst and at Brighton Rugby Club.

Rebecca Hewlett, 36, and husband Malcolm, 41, of Davigdor Road, Hove, took part in the event for the first time.

Mrs Hewlett said: "It has been extremely hot but really good fun. The main issue was trying to take on enough fluids.

"We have made so many good friends along the way who I have no doubt we will stay in contact with.

"It was our first time but we will definitely be doing it again next year. We both managed to keep together around the course.

"I play sport regularly but Malcolm doesn't. He really trained for this over the past few weeks and has become incredibly fit."

There were several casualties during the ride, including two people taken to hospital with broken collar bones, and three suffering from exhaustion.

Brothers Nick and Matthew Osborne completed the course for the sixth year running.

Nick, 42, of Fonthill Road, Hove, said: "The difference this year was the heat because it made the track very fast and added to the wear and tear on the body.

"It was fantastic because I could actually enjoy the beautiful view for once. We had to ride fast and crack on early to avoid the hottest weather.

"When we started six years ago there was three or four of us but now there is a big group. One of our group had to go to hospital with a popped collarbone.

"Another has just gone to hospital with an injured arm. He's come from Stockholm in Sweden. He will definitely be back next year."

Matthew, 38, from Plymouth, said: "The heat added a different dimension to previous years, especially going up the hills.

"It was great fun and it was all for a good cause. The organisation was superb. All we had to do was turn up and pedal because everything else was taken care of."