15 QUICK CHECKS...

BEFORE SCALING MOUNTAINS

Simon Haly, who completed a mammoth seven-day mountain challenge, on tackling the big hills

1 MAP IT OUT

Don’t leave anything to chance. Plan how many climbs, over which distance and what average gradients you intend to cover. Studying the routes carefully and knowing what you’re up against is vital.

2 HEAD OVER HEART

With adrenalin rushing it’s so easy to hit the climbs hard and fast. Learn to pace yourself instead – know each climb and get into the right rhythm.

3 TEAM TRAIN

Each of us in the Peaky Climbers team had our own plan, but there’s nothing better than team training rides. The shared time in the saddle is vital for learning how to ride together and motivate each other.

4 MIND MATTERS

Climbing can be an isolating experience and is more enjoyable if you share it with others. Talking while riding helps you tick off the metres.

5 BREAK IT UP

Break each climb up into smaller blocks. On most French cols, there are markers showing the average gradient and kilometres to the summit, which really helps. Believing you can climb the mountain, and visualising yourself doing it, is key.

Simon’s Peaky Climbers have so far raised over £60,000 for British Lung Foundation and Caring Cancer Trust.