On a recent cycling trip to the Ardeche, four members of Falmouth Wheelers Cycling Club completed the Club Des Cingles, which translates to Mad Dogs, challenge by cycling the three main ascents of Mont Ventoux, the famous regular climb of the Tour De France, within 24 hours.

The Wheelers' best time at just over ten hours was recorded by Trevor Stephens, from Helston. The other riders who completed the challenge were Raymond Tucker, Phil Conroy and club chairman, Simon Jones, who all came in at around 14 hours.

Nine other Wheelers, including two ladies, Sonjia Cooper and Kath Key, who celebrated her birthday at the summit with cake and bubbly, took on the challenge to do one ascent on the hardest route from Bedoin, which is 21.5km to the summit. The men taking on the mountain were Phil Eagle, Bernie Bagley, Fred Pullen, Dave Hazel, Victor Tonkin, Shane Bennett and Don Morris. Also joining them was another Wheeler, Robin Snelson, who was on holiday in the region.

"It was certainly a day to remember by all who took part" said a spokesman. "The encouragement and camaraderie by other cyclists on the mountain that day, including many Dutch cyclists on a mass charity ride, made it very special."

On the way back down the Wheelers placed an engraved piece of granite on the memorial to Tom Simpson, the British cyclists who died riding in the Tour De France in 1967.