PETERSFIELD Triathlon Club member Tony Baker has completed one of the most arduous cycling events in Europe.

The Paris–Brest–Paris (PBP) is a 1,200km (750 miles) event which must be completed within 90 hours. The PBP is not a race, rather it is a long distance event where the rider has to complete a set route in a set time, at a particular average speed. It emphasises route finding and mechanical reliability and what makes it really tough is that the rider must be unsupported.

This year’s PBP was its 18th, taking place from August 16 to August 20, with about 5,000 riders taking part from around the world. In order to qualify for PBP Tony had to complete four qualifying events during 2015: 200 km (125 miles) in 14 hours, 300 km (188 miles) in 20 hours, 400 km (250 miles) in 27 hours and 600 km (376 miles) in 40 hours.

Because the cyclists have no team support they are expected to buy their food along the way and deal with any problems they may have with their bike. They need to carry spare clothing, essential bicycle spares, and good quality lights.

Tony completed the ride in 87 hours, with three hours to spare. He started at 6.15pm on the Sunday evening and rode more or less non-stop until 9am the following Thursday. Throughout the route the side of the road was littered with sleeping cyclists, wrapped in foil.

Baker said: “It was an amazing experience, very emotional, with fear of failure always lurking at the back of my mind – and relief rather than joy when I crossed the finish line.”