Last of the old style three day team relay challenges, at least for the time being, this one started in Vimoutiers in Normandy close to the Channel port of Le Havre. From there the route tracked to the south west of Paris before arriving in Montargis for the first night and then set off south west towards the fabled Cote D’Or wine region staying for the night close to Nuit St Georges. The last day saw teams cycling across the river Soane and heading to the mountains of the Jura to the north of Geneva cycling past lakes, mountain forests, open moorland and snowless ski lifts before crossing the Swiss border and the finish line in St Cergue.

The start was in Vimoutiers, twinned with Ringwood, home to several of the teams, and so it was celebrated in true style with the mayor seeing the teams off and the locals providing essential coffee and croissant. With the largest group ever taking part, logistics were challenging too but everyone made it to Montargis.  On west through the Morvan national park, close to the canal de Bourgogne and on past the Hogwarts like castle at Chateauneuf to the Chateau Clos de Vougeot near Nuit st Georges. Home to the Chevaliers de Tastevins, the chateau is set in the middle of the vines with the east facing slopes growing arguably the finest red wines in the world. Of all the feasts enjoyed on various Challenges, this one even surpassed the Castellane Champagne Gala dinner in Epernay (Chateaux Champagne Challenge) and the dungeoned dinner in the Hospice de Beaune (Chartreuse Challenge). The final day saw teams heading across the River Soane and the plain before the sharp rise to the Jura near Lons. The scenery changed rapidly from vineyards and farmland to forests, lakes, and mountain moorland. The descent into St Claude was matched with the rise to the ski stations of Lamoura before crossing the Swiss border and the gentle descent to St Cergue. Awaiting teams was some serious Swiss hospitality ranging from cow bells and bands to fondue and charcuterie.

The Ultimate Challenge was a fitting way to complete the first phase of CAC’s existence. Over 110 teams and 450 people raised the highest sum ever raised by a challenge. It was an epic never yet repeated and was the ultimate in terms of route, hospitality, challenge, adventure and charity.