Chrome Motors Mountain Bike Team begin gruelling Alpine training ahead of Bollington Skyline
Peak physical condition, iron wills and exceptionally questionable decision-making.
The elite athletes of the Chrome Motors Mountain Bike Team have returned from an intensive high-altitude training camp in the French Alps as preparations gather pace for this summer's prestigious Bollington Skyline event.
Led by mountain biking powerhouse Danny Towns, the team spent several days tackling punishing Alpine climbs, treacherous descents and dangerously scenic lunch stops in temperatures more commonly associated with the surface of the sun.
Training sessions took place across some of Europe's most challenging terrain, with riders pushing themselves to the absolute limit in readiness for what many are already calling "a bike ride round Bollington."
Team officials confirmed that the gruelling regime included:
- Multiple mountain ascents
- Several thousand metres of climbing
- Extensive hydration programmes
- Scientific testing of local French lager
- Daily recovery sessions involving burgers
Speaking exclusively from the team's luxury mobile training headquarters, team principal Danny Towns said: "The Bollington Skyline is one of the biggest events in the cycling calendar.
“We knew we couldn't just turn up unprepared - the Alps were the obvious choice. The lads have put in some serious work and we're already seeing improvements in fitness, endurance and appetite."
Eyewitnesses reported seeing members of the Chrome squad scaling mountains normally reserved for goats, professional cyclists and people who have made poor life choices.
The team has now entered the next phase of its preparation programme - future training camps are expected to include further altitude work in the Himalayas, technical riding in the Rocky Mountains and possibly a gentle spin to Ireland if schedules allow.
While the riders remain grounded, bookmakers have already installed Chrome Motors as overwhelming favourites in the unofficial competition for "Most Photos Taken While Wearing Matching Jerseys."
A Chrome Motors spokesperson said: "We take our preparation extremely seriously - every member of the team understands what is at stake.
“The Bollington Skyline represents the pinnacle of amateur mountain biking and we intend to arrive ready. Very ready. Possibly over-ready."
The team will continue its training throughout the summer before making its highly anticipated appearance at the Bollington Skyline this August. Spectators are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment. Or traffic.