Hampshire soldier completes toughest cycling challenge (From Daily Echo)

Hampshire soldier completes toughest cycling challenge

4:57pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Winchester

A HAMPSHIRE soldier wounded in Afghanistan has completed the world's toughest cycling race ahead of schedule.

Simon Harmer and his colleagues from Team Battle Back were warmly welcomed into Annapolis, Maryland, after completing the 3,051-mile Race Across America in just seven days, seven hours and 59 minutes with an average speed of over 17mph.

Simon, 36, from Kings Worthy near Winchester, lost both legs in an IED explosion so completed the race on a hand bike.

He said: “It's been a tough eight days but it's a huge achievement to have got this far. Kansas was definitely the toughest part, with the heat and barren landscape. It feels awesome to have completed the Race Across America and I'd like to say thank you to everyone for their support.”