Former professional Jens Voigt has completed his Everest Challenge today in Berlin, raising money for the Tour de Cure Trust in the fight against cancer.
The challenge involved climbing Teufelsberg in Voigt’s home city multiple times until he reached the accumulated vertical elevation of Mount Everest which stands at 8,848 metres.
Voigt started the challenge yesterday and faced freezing temperatures during the attempt. The former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer rode through the night and completed the final laps this afternoon. He announced the news on Twitter saying: “Done and dusted! 8845m of climbing – 27h with some small breaks on the bike! Over €25k raised!”
Prior to the attempt, he said: “Climbing 8848m wont be easy but it’s nothing compared to those dealing with cancer. Please help me raise as much funds as possible. Your donation will spur me on – Together we are making a difference!”
“Of course people might think I am crazy to do something like this” Voigt acknowledged. “But hey, I never said I wasn’t crazy right? Haha.
“I want to do this for two reasons. First & foremost I was touched by the amazing charity work of the Tour de Cure and I want to help raise as much awareness & funds for the fight against cancer.”
“The second reason is that I love to challenge my limits, trying to see what my body & mind are capable of & what better way to do this than riding my bike for 24 hours – climbing the equivalent of the MOUNT EVEREST! It will possibly be the ride that embodies my motto ”SHUT UP LEGS” like nothing else I’ve ever done on the bike before…. certainly the last 12 hours!”
You can donate to the charity here: https://www.ammado.com/community/jensieeverestchallenge
