The next morning as the event rolled out of Annecy, along the lakeside and up the first incline, little pockets of riders formed.

There was no way from the outside anyone could have known the battle he was facing. ‘What are you doing here man, get yourself home and rest’, I thought to myself. A lump in my throat I found I could barely look at James. We’d all like to wish James the best for a speedy recovery”. He will leave Annecy on Sunday after the event to fly back to the UK for surgery ona tumour that is growing in his stomach, and then undergo a course of chemotherapy. Sven concludes: “For those that don’t know, James has had a little setback lately. In his late twenties he looks like he’s well set to take this ride apart. James appears to be in the peak of physical condition – just another competitor in the event, but seemingly one to mark. He then pauses, and what he says next causes a hush to fall across the room. The Hotchillee Events founder delivers an assorted array of welcomes and essential if unspectacular housekeeping messages relating to the following day and the event start. At the same time I’m feeling excited to take on the challenge and looking forward to testing my form in the hills.Īs a room full of fifty or so people finish off their evening meal, up steps Sven Thiele to the microphone. I’m already nervous, as I’ve never attempted such a ride before, and I could hardly be described as a ‘climber’. I’ve just demolished my penultimate meal before starting The Alpine Challenge, a three-day timed event, taking place on closed roads, over some iconic French climbs. Lake Annecy, Wednesday 7th September 2011, about 8 pm. By Trevor Gornall / All images: ©Joolze Diamond

In Stone by Louise D. Gornall