AN athlete and fundraiser cycled up Mont Ventoux three times in one day.

Helen Russell from Evesham was raising money for The Air Ambulance Service.

She said: "The ride was incredibly hard but I just had to keep going, as it was only by finishing that I would raise the money for The Air Ambulance Service.

"The support I have received so far has been great and I wish to thank everyone who has donated, as it really does help to save lives.”

The ‘Giant of Provence’ stands at a height of 1912 meters and often features on the route of the Tour de France.

Undoubtedly one of the hardest mountains in Le Tour, Mont Ventoux translates as ‘The Windy Mountain’, which gives some idea of the elements that Ms Russell had to battle against.

On the day it wasn’t just the wind and the steep gradient that was challenging, as the temperature reached almost 40 degrees Celsius.

Despite this she successfully rode the three routes from Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault, covering 138 kilometers and 4400 metres of climbing in total.

In recognition of completing the three ascents in one day, she is now welcomed into the Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux and receives the title of ‘Mad Man of Ventoux’, a title that less than a hundred English women have received.

Ms Russell is hoping to raise £2,000 for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and with £1,400 already raised she isn’t far off hitting her target.

To donate towards her fundraising efforts, log onto https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helenrussell-montventoux or visit The Valley on Sunday July 23, where she is doing a static bike challenge with local junior cyclist Aimee Lane for the charity.