A TEAM of injured service personnel and veterans are preparing for a gruelling downhill bike challenge at the Mountain of Hell – which sees hundreds of riders travel down a double black ski slope in the Alps.

Those taking part have been supported by Help for Heroes Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison, where they are encouraged to take on challenges to help in their recovery.

The Mountain of Hell is considered to be the most challenging and fastest race on the circuit, with 700 riders reaching speeds of up to 65mph as they travel down a double black ski slope in the Alps.

Among them this year will be eight mountain bikers who have been training for the past six months under the expert guidance of Colour Sergeant Roger Coates.

Based at Phoenix House, he is an instructor for Battleback – the Ministry of Defence initiative that, in partnership with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, uses adaptive sport and adventure training to speed an individual’s recovery.

He said: “The most difficult challenge for me is to find events and activities in which the guys and girls will be able to take part without becoming any more broken than they already are, but which will be super-hard to achieve so that they feel challenged.

“This year we have really pushed the boundaries of what is possible.”

It’s the first time that disabled cyclists have been allowed to take part in the race, so they are already setting a record without completing it – but there is no doubt in the mind of CSgt Coates that they will cross that finish line.

Former Richmond School pupil Hardy Johnson has been mountain biking since the 1990s but the Mountain of Hell is a challenge way beyond the Enduro races he is used to.

“It’s a massive challenge and confidence builder,” said the 46-year-old. “Training for it has given me a chance to push myself and take myself out if my comfort zone, as well as to meet new people and make friends. I've never laughed so hard for years.”

Mr Johnson joined the RAF in 1989 but after ten years he transferred to the Army as it offered the opportunity of more tours. With the Queens Royal Lancers, he went to Cyprus, Kosovo and Iraq before being medically discharged in 2008.

The team will arrive in Les Deux Alpes on Thursday, June 28 for the qualifier on Saturday, June 30 and main race on Sunday, July 1.

CSgt Coates added: “I would bet my last penny the whole team’s attitudes to their illnesses and injuries will substantially improve by the time they reach the foothill of Les Deux Alpes.”