INJURED and sick service people and veterans are hoping to become the first disabled team to complete one of the world’s toughest mountain bike challenges.

The Alpe d’Huez Megavalanche in France is the longest downhill race in the world, taking 1,400 participants from 20 countries through four days of training and racing from Le Pic Blanc to Allemont.

And Colour Sergeant Roger Coates, based at Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, will lead the Help for Heroes team – some on specially-adapted trikes - down the perilous slopes.

Two training weekends in preparation for the epic event in July have already been held in Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, and Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, The next will take place in Grizedale Forest in the Lake District.

More than 15 participants, with a wide range of injuries, took part in the training session and will now compete with each other over the next few months before a final team of eight riders plus two reserves is selected for the race from July 4 to 10.

“Having personally entered the event twice before, I have a clear understanding of the training, equipment, commitment and motivation needed to take part in a mountain bike race such as Megavalanche,” said C Sgt Coates.

“For our guys, it will be a huge commitment to train if they want to make the final team.

“Sport provides optimism, self-belief and confidence in what can be achieved, and this is proven to be of particular importance to this group.”

He said those taking part had a wide range of injuries from leg and arm amputations to traumatic brain injuries, PTSD and anger problems.

Riders will hit speeds of up to 60kph during the race, down a black diamond ski run, amongst some of the world’s top downhill bikers.

C Sgt Coates said: “While most people take part in the race as individuals, we will make sure our group works as a team so as to help each other out.

“They will need to cross a two-kilometre frozen glacier pushing, pulling, dragging and lifting each other from one icy plateau to another.

“Another 20km will see them twisting and turning through a dense mountainside forest with a couple of short but tortuous climbs thrown in for good measure.

“Finally a decent along a steep forest track at high speed will see them across the line and into the history books.”