EIGHT friends will be mounting their bikes for the toughest challenge of their lives this year, in memory of their friend and fellow cyclist Dave Hitchen.

The 42-year-old former Great Britain cyclist from Haresfinch died in 2014 after a motorbike crashed into his bicycle during the Bolton Bash cycling event in Lancashire.

Dave, who was known as Fast Hitch, had been helping less able riders just before the crash.

The North West Air Ambulance tried to save Dave’s life and now his friends have set themselves a challenge to take on the The Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge on May 13, as a way of raising money to thank them.

The event, in the Lake District is arguably the most challenging one-day cycling event of its kind in the UK.

Graeme Cox, 47, from Sutton, who is one of the challenge organisers, said: “I’ve taken part in several challenges over the last few years, but this is going to be the toughest yet.

“I’m really hoping we can do Dave’s memory proud and reach our target of £2000 to say thank you to North West Air Ambulance.

“Dave was a really inspirational person and cyclist and though I never knew him myself he has influenced me so much, so alongside his friends we are taking on this challenge.

“His family are also behind us 100 per cent which is amazing.”

Linda De Sa, of North West Air Ambulance, added: “We are grateful that this challenge will raise generous funds for our rapid response health care service.

“We will be cheering the group on throughout the weeks and months of the challenge and wish them all the best of luck.”

The group will also be taking part in a series of spinathons to encourage others to get on their bikes in Dave’s memory.

The first event will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at Queens Park Health and Fitness from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Each bike will cost £6 and go to the JustGiving page.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-jenkins20.