A HEROIC team of cyclists have completed an exhausting 3,000-mile trek around Europe "to continue the great Steve Prescott's legacy".

The daring squad, made up of ex-rugby league stars, triathletes and ex-road cyclists battles temperatures as high as in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit to complete the Race Across Europe in record time.

The route started in northern France and headed through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, back through France, and then into Spain before they reached the finish in Gibraltar.

The cyclists finished the epic feat in six days, 19 hours and seven minutes, beating the previous record by two days, the SPF has said.

The team consists of Steve's brother Neil Prescott; former Saints winger Steve Hall; former rugby league players Gareth Ellis, Steve Hampson and Ewan Dowes; and Darren Harrison, Phil Ellison and Kev Humphries.

The team put themselves through the mental and physical pain barriers, taking on steep climbs up to as high as 2,744m in the Alps and limited sleep.

After the cycle, Ewan Dowes wrote on Instagram: "We’ve done it The K3 Zadara #raceacrosseurope team have won the race and smashed the record.

"What an unbelievable experience, a challenge and trip of a lifetime.

"The riders were outstanding and the support crew immense. I can’t thank them enough for their help and support on the race.

"Without them none of this would have been possible. We’ve managed to continue the great man, Steve Prescott’s, legacy which I’m very proud of I’ve met some great people who I now consider friends for life.

"The challenge was certainly the toughest both mentally and physically but loved every minute. It was great to be taken out of my comfort zone and to compete again.

"The physical and mental challenge was extremely tough, roughly 12 to 15 hours sleep in total on a motor home with 8 other blokes, 50-plus stints on the bike, unreal climbs, 35-40 degree heat, I could go on!

"More importantly we’ve raised some awesome awareness and funds for the @spf.charity can’t wait for the next challenge!"

See justgiving.com/teams/SPFRACEACROSSEUROPE to donate.