The 2014 Alpine Challenge

Sven Thiele, founder of HotChillee said “This was the hardest Alpine Challenge by a significant margin. Day 1 was brutal and a shock to many riders, even for the elite level and ex pros. The attrition rate was high with over 15% not officially finishing the entire course. However, the satisfaction to all was extremely high and rewarding. It has understandably been the most emotional finish to date. I’m extremely impressed with the newcomers to the sport who pushed themselves well beyond their perceived limits and achieved so much in the process…”
 

 

Stephen Roche, who rode his fifth consecutive Alpine Challenge said, “This was by far the hardest, but also the most rewarding. It has taken all the riders who took part to a new level. The racing for the jersey was also brilliant to see and I must congratulate Dave Dent, who took the Men’s jersey in his second year, despite strong competition from Magnus Backstedt and Kelli Bayliss who takes the Women’s leaders jersey for the second time and the two contenders, Rebecca Johnson and Tamala McGee who is only 9 months into cycling seriously.”

Paris-Roubaix legend, Magnus Backstedt who was in the G!RO Cycles Jersey contention said “I was pushed to my extremes and loved it. I tip my hat to the passionate sportive riders who pushed themselves beyond their limits.”

Matt Moran of Wattbike commented, “This was a case of the beauty and the beast, but despite being absolutely smashed at the end of every stage, I still loved it…well now I do.”

The Ride Captains for each group also put forward a rider for the “HotChillee Spirit Award”, who best represents the ethos of the brand and the event.

G4 – Anna Harris
G3 – Ed Hayes
G2 – Richard Line
G1 – Peter Lawery

Overall