Cent Cols Challenge in the Kent Lanes

Pictures by Rupert Hartley

The Cent Cols Challenge has a near mythical aura for those who know about the trips, tackling 100 cols in 10 days whilst travelling across a mountain range.

Phil Deeker came up with the idea for the events 16 years ago as a way to spend his time doing what he loved most – climbing mountains on a bike, and sharing that passion with others. Next year, Phil is stepping back, but 2023 sees one final swansong as he takes on ‘The Traverse’, a 60 stage journey from East to West across the mountain ranges of Europe.

The Cent Cols Challenge is being taken over by Adam Erritzøe, a Danish rider who has completed a number of Cent Cols Challenges and has an enviable riding CV, including completing the 1000 mile Alaskan ultra race, the Iditarod Trail Invitational. The pinnacle of winter ultra-marathons, the route takes competitors through the far reaches of the Alaskan Wilderness so we’re sure some of his personality will shine through as the Cent Cols events evolve over the years.

Phil and Adam came to see the Albion team in London where they discussed the 2023 Cent Cols Challenge products, caught up on the events planned and made time to ride 100 miles in Kent on one of the wetter days we’ve had recently.

Visit The Cent Cols website.