THREE Keighley cyclists are saddling-up for a gruelling world record challenge.

Ben Wood, James Welsh and Matt Robinson are part of a five-strong team aiming to cycle up one of the toughest mountain climbs on the Tour de France route – 19 times in just over three days!

The Ultra6 members, who also include Nick Jovanovic and Andy North, will take on the infamous Mont Ventoux in early July.

The aim is to clock-up the greatest number of feet – 100,000 – climbed on a bike in a single mountain ride.

Money is being raised through sponsorship for ABF, the Soldiers’ Charity.

Ultra6 has already achieved two world records and coined-in cash for charitable causes.

Last year the team cycled 240 miles in 22 hours from Leeds to Dortmund in Germany, raising £30,000.

And the previous year, members ran a marathon every day and cycled 100 miles on seven consecutive days from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

“This latest challenge is pretty daunting even by our standards,” said Mr Wood, workshop manager at All Terrain Cycles in Saltaire.

“Basically we’re a group of ordinary, like-minded guys who are passionate about fitness and aim to do mad things in the hope that it will inspire other people to take-up sport and exercise as well as raising funds for charities we care about.

“We’re not professionals, so fitting in a rigorous training programme as well as working is pretty tough.

“Some of us have just completed a ten-day intensive training camp in Murcia, Spain as part of our build-up to July.”

The team is being supported by All Terrain Cycles.

Its managing director, Tony Booth, said: “Ben and the guys are living proof of their ethos that people can do amazing things when they put their minds to it.

“Every year, they attempt and successfully complete an incredible challenge as well as raising huge amounts for charity. We’re delighted to be supporting their latest world record challenge.”

Visit justgiving.com/racetospace to sponsor the team.