NEWS FEED
Three Dorset businessmen will be swapping their formal suits for cycling shorts when they turn to pedal power to raise funds for charity this summer.
Joel Brennan, Stephen Birrell and Robert Brunt, all from Lester Brunt Wealth Management, based in Wimborne, are undertaking the St James’s Place Sa Calobra Cycle Challenge in Mallorca.
The three-day gruelling event, 29 June to 2 July 2016, covers 360km and 5700 metres of climbing across the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which to put it into perspective, is almost the height of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) – the highest mountain in Africa.
Robert Brunt said: “This summer we have decided to put our bodies on the line and set ourselves a challenge and all for a good cause.
We are hoping to raise as much money as possible for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The St James’s Place Foundation with St James’s Place will also be matching all contributions made.”
The Sa Calobra road is known as the serpent as it snakes its way up the mountain. It is renowned for its 26 hairpin bends, one of which is so extreme it takes you a full 360 degrees before heading back over itself to what’s referred to as the spiral bridge.
Until earlier this year none of the Lester Brunt trio had even owned a road bike. To prepare for the challenge they have set themselves a tough training regime, which includes riding between 80 and 130Km at weekends and also twice a week after work.
Robert added: “It was only in January, when everyone was busy breaking their new year’s resolutions that we embarked on our journey to become cyclists. We are currently trying to ride as many hills as possible to replicate the climbing in Mallorca.”
Michael Lester co-founder of Lester Brunt said: “During the Easter weekend the lads conquered Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and are planning to cycle through the Brecon Beacons, a mountain range in Wales, in the coming weeks.
“And if that wasn’t enough – they are also considering whether to wax their legs as part of their fundraising drive – we are all looking forward to that!”
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation raises funds to support more than 150 projects which use the power of sport to provide coaching and education to young people in some of the most challenging or deprived environments around the world.
To support The Sa Calobra Cycle Challenge, visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/LesterBrunt
