Alfie Earl – the nine-year-old from West Sussex who last year rode up Mont Ventoux and the Passo dello Stelvio inside 48 hours – has now added the Col du Galibier to his list of cycling achievements.
Alfie took the route from Valloire, an 18.1km (11.2 mile) climb at an average gradient of 6.9% and which hits 10.1% near the summit.
According to his father, Steve, who accompanied him, he completed the ride in three-and-a-half hours.
Steve described the day as sunny “with headwinds at times” and said Alfie was applauded at the summit by dozens of cyclists who had seen him ride up and who had waited to congratulate him.
"I wanted to do the Galibier so I had done the treble of the three most legendary mountains in France,” said Alfie. “I set my mind on it and I just tried to smash each one – even though the Galibier was so hard.”
He thanked his mum and dad “for driving me to these places and just letting me try if I want to” – and it sounds like they should gear up for further trips.
"I want to try to be the best young rider that I can be. But going up mountains can be fun too and I love the views. I'm going to think about what's next, but whatever I do I have learned to take on challenges. One day I'd like to climb the Aubsique and the Peyresourde because of the history, but maybe even the Angliru in Spain and the Zoncolan if I feel like it. And perhaps Paris-Roubaix.”
He’s also supported by Hargroves Cycles, who have provided him with kit.
Earlier this year, Alfie became the youngest person to ride from London to Paris, after making the journey alongside his 12-year-old sister, Saskia, who is believed to be the youngest girl to complete the trip.
I wonder if Tiagra R6000 will go 11sp and effectively become the new 105 for mechanical and rim brake bikes? Makes sense given how close 4700 is to...
My son is in dire need of one of these types of locks for his bike
I see Shimano have waited until noisy protest was made illegal before releasing this news, the bastards. #SaveTheRimBrake
Surprised you'd been weight lifting, both at work and the gym, with an inguinal hernia - it's the one thing they tell you absolutely not to do....
They are saying that the CdA of the bike itself is 20% better, not that you'll go 20% faster....
Don't hold your breath waiting for the police to take any interest or action in that part of the world. They don't give two sh*ts about cyclists. ...
I've already made his acquaintance!
Not really a cycle lane though, looks more like the area of the road you shouldn't cycle in, to be safe please cycle further out than this green patch
The basis of most discrimination but would have been easily fixed in this case by a big sign saying cyclists and pedestrians please use Click and...
Last time I went, I was so glad I camped uphill from the toilets. Sunday was interesting if you were downhill.