An Im’Possible challenge

It was three years ago that Grant Lottering survived a near-fatal cycling accident during a world championship preparation race in Trento, Italy, when he crashed into a rock embankment and suffered severe internal and external injuries. Doctors told him he would never cycle again, but Lottering refused to accept this prognosis, and decided he would return to the Alps in one year to finish the race that almost claimed his life. Thus, the Im’Possible tour series was born, with Lottering’s third cycle challenge taking place on Tuesday, 2 and Wednesday, 3 August 2016.

The Im’Possible Tour III will see Lottering attempt a solo, non-stop, 1000km ultra-endurance cycle through the French Alps from Cannes to Les Saisies Ski Resort (one hour from Geneva). The challenge will be a world-first for the distance covered and elevation gained in the 48-hour time limit he has set for himself. To achieve his goal, Lottering will need to ride continuously for two days and two nights, with no time for sleep.

The route
The 1000km route covers 20 alpine climbs (19 870m of climbing), including the notorious Col d’Izoard, Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col de la Madeleine, Grand Colombier, Col de Joux Plan, and finishing on the summit of Col des Saisies.

Throughout the ride, Lottering will be followed by a film crew, two support cars and a support team of nine people. They will help him with the eight controlled stops (totaling a mere two hours) along the route for eating, changing of clothes, and providing lights for Lottering to cycle during the night.

The reason
Lottering’s cycle tours are not only a personal challenge, but a way to give back. As with his previous tours, Lottering will be riding as a Laureus Ambassador to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport to nurture and develop underprivileged youth in their communities.

For the 2016 Im’Possible tour, Lottering aims to raise over R1.5-million for Laureus by ‘selling’ the 20 mountains he will cycle over to corporate sponsors. Mercedes-Benz South Africa and its Dealer Network partners have already taken up the challenge and jointly pledged R1-million to the cause.

How you can get involved
To support this feat and help Lottering reach his R1.5-million target, corporates can visit his website to ‘buy’ one of the 20 mountains he will be climbing. Individual donations can be pledged online here.

For more information, visit www.grantlottering.com. Alternatively, connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.