Swindon Town

DAY two of the Extreme Classroom challenge saw us climb 2,473 metres (or 8,114 feet) part of a Category 1 climb, which is the hardest hill possible, writes Academy Manager, Jeremy Newton.

It took a while but with lots of determination and application, we achieved and had a rest stop at the top. We then checked our bikes for the 40 kilometre descent, that took us from Switzerland into Italy, with some of the best roads in the world. The scenery was amazing but we had to be careful while still maintaining control of the bike at speeds well over 50kph.

We continued all the way down through some lovely towns and villages for our lunch stop. After lunch the groups took off again, for an afternoon that saw us take on another 28km to our final resting point in Aoesta. The group have a rest day today to be checked by the doctors and physios and for the mechanics to check the bikes before tomorrow's stage.

It is very demanding on the legs, body and mentally very tough but it's an amazing experience.