Established at the turn of the millennium when extreme athlete Franz Venier wanted to prove that it was possible to scale eleven hors category climbs, with over 13,000 metres of climbing, in under 32 hours. Well Franz made it, and the rest as they say is history.

Since that day ‘The Race Across the Alps’ was born, quickly growing in popularity and establishing itself as one of, if not the, toughest one day ultra-endurance events in the world.

Starting in the Austrian village of Nauders, the 535km route is epic in every sense, crossing into Italy and Switzerland to scale a host of truly iconic mountains including the Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo, Aprica, Bernina, Albula, Flüela, Fuorn and Umbrail.

Whatever way you look at it this is one big ride. Covering these climbs in a week is highly commendable, attempting to conquer them in a day verges on utter lunacy. I think that’s what someone said to me once, and since then I haven’t been able to sleep easy until I’d attempted the race for myself.

Following the race as it happens is easy, once it is underway at 11.00 GMT on 19 June, just head to www.justadi.ch/online/rata2009.

Mike will also be sending live updates to his website at www.mikecotty.co.uk/index_landing.asp

The bikes

Mike will be using two bikes to attempt the challenge. For the the climbing, of which there is plenty, Cannondale’s SuperSix shod with Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate wheels and Campagnolo Record, weighing just 6.6kg (/14.5lb) will be the main choice.

To help him get inside the time limit, another SuperSix has been setup with a pair of USE Tula Boost bars to help cover the flatter sections and save some time.

There’ll be a substantial chunk of night time riding, and so a USE MaXx-D light will be brought into use, combined with a helmet-mounted Joystick. And to avoid getting lost, a Garmin Edge 705 with the full 535km route loaded.