FIVE Yorkshire cyclists have set a new world record by completing a challenge on one of the most gruelling mountains on the Tour de France route.

The team, which includes two men from Guiseley, became the first ever to cycle 100,000ft up and down a mountain in one stint.

They took just over four-and-a-half days to finish the feat, which involved 19 ascents and descents of Mont Ventoux – one of the toughest mountain climbs on the Tour de France route. The mountain – called the Beast of Provence – is notoriously difficult and is known for its lunar-landscape.

The Ultra6 team, sponsored by All Terrain Cycles, also clocked-up speed and altitude records. Nick Jovanovic and Andy North from Guiseley were joined by Ben Wood, James Welsh and Matt Robinson from Keighley.

They had spent a year preparing for the challenge, which raised money for two causes – ABF the Soldiers' Charity and M4Melanoma.

Andy said: "We had to train through the winter months on our Yorkshire hills to ensure we had the best opportunity for success.

"When we arrived in France, we were faced with temperatures of 40C, which took some getting used to."

Andy, a mechanic and workshop manager at All Terrain Cycles, paid tribute to the business backing the team received.

"We knew we needed to have the best and lightest equipment for the challenge and are really grateful for all the support," he added.

Last year, the team raised £30,000 for the Lord Mayor’s Cycle Ride, cycling 240 miles in 22 hours from Leeds to the city’s twin town of Dortmund in Germany. In 2013, the team completed another challenge for ABF, running a marathon every day and cycling 100 miles on seven consecutive days from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

In the run up to the latest challenge, Ben said: "This latest Race to Space challenge is pretty daunting, even by our standards.

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

Visit justgiving.com/race tospace to sponsor the Ultra6 team.