THE GREAT BRITISH BIKE-OFF

AS a war heroine and winner of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, Sophie Faldo is used to taking on a challenge or two.

But the super fit ex-Army officer is taking nothing for granted as she limbers up to cycle 100 miles this weekend in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

She says: “It will be the first time I’ve done the full 100 miles… this is way out of my comfort zone.”

Yet, even on the tough Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, a course that loops from the capital through the countryside before returning to London, Sophie’s cooking skills will come in handy.

She explains: “I’ll be taking some of my homemade high energy fruit chews with me to keep me going.”

Sophie, 33, who served in Afghanistan, began cycling after leaving the Army. She explains: “At first I was a rower, but I took up cycling to rehabilitate myself from a back injury I picked up.

“My back took a long time to get better and in the end it turned out I preferred cycling anyway.” As ® well as being a dab hand in the kitchen, Sophie transformed herself into a national Masters track cycling champion.

She does eight training sessions a week, mixing up her track and gym work with longer two-hour rides. Sophie even manages to squeeze in a spot of taekwondo and riding lessons. But, when it comes to exercise, cycling comes first.

She explains: “As well as baking, one of my big passions in life is cycling.

“It’s really good for me because it’s a low impact activity.

“I also love the sociability of cycling.”

Sophie, who is also training to be a stuntwoman, reveals that getting on her bike has also helped her shed the extra weight she put on while filming GBBO last year. Known for her show-stopping cakes, she explains: “You certainly gain a few kilos, partly because you’re not able to train.

“But I’ve lost most of that now and am back to my race weight.” Sophie’s typical daily diet sees her skip breakfast but tuck into a chicken salad for lunch followed by a barbecue in the evening with a pork shoulder and corn on the cob. She loves sushi too.

Snacks are apples or her favourite cinnamon rolls and she enjoys the odd gin and tonic.

She will certainly be getting properly fuelled up before taking on her RideLondon challenge.

Sophie says: “On the night before and on the day, I’ll eat as much as I can to boost energy levels and keep my blood sugar levels stable. “I’ll be sure to stay well hydrated too.”

So does she have any cycling tips for us lesser mortals?

Sophie says: “Go with a partner and get some good kit – spend money on good quality cycling shorts. And don’t forget your chaffing cream!”

Sophie will be riding with 500 others for the Great Ormond Street team this Sunday including Olympian Sally Gunnell and broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan.

She adds: “We’re raising money for parents’ accommodation at Great Ormond Street – it’s a great cause. The work they do there is incredible.

“I’m not sure what time I’ll do. I have a very competitive nature but I’m riding as part of a team and the main aim is to have fun.”