A TEAM of cyclists have completed the first stage of the Tour de France in aid of a Newport-based hospice.

The team, who all work for Eurobond Laminates in Wentloog, cycled more than 112 miles in 10 hours on Saturday, June 20.

Craig Cheshire, who took part in the charity challenge with his colleagues Simon Thomas, Phil Bell and Gavin Rees, said that they had now raised more than £5,000 for Malpas-based St David’s Hospice Care.

Mr Cheshire, of Oakdale, said they had to battle against the elements during the ride across Yorkshire, which started the Tour de France in 2014.

The route took in four of the most famous climbs in Britain – Greenhow Mill, Buttertubs, Cray and Grinton Moor – with more than 200 riders also taking part in the Sika Cycle Challenge.

“We had five hours of rain in the morning, but by the afternoon it cleared up,” said Mr Cheshire.

“It was a very intense ride with four very big hills.

“The first one was no problem as it was fairly early on in the ride, but by the last one it was very hard.”

He added that despite training up the likes of Caerphilly mountain they struggled in the 112-mile ride.

“Nothing prepared us for the hills,” he said.

“There were lots of false summits too where you got to the top and realised there was actually further to go.

“You mentally prepare yourself for reaching the top, but then it goes up again.”

The team have beaten their target of £5,000 and are now hoping to raise more than £5,500.

Mr Cheshire, 31, added that they would also consider doing more charity challenges in the future.

“I think we have got the bug now, so we will keep up the training and do something next year.”

He added that the team have received support from their key suppliers Tata Steel and Rockwool.

They can still be sponsored at justgiving.com/Eurobond or by texting SDHC50 with the amount to 70070.