After the overwhelming challenges, and successes, of Ligne de France and Cyclismo Espana, our team of cyclists will this year take on Ciclismo Italia.

It's the same team as last year - James Salter, Steve Hackett and Jake Cope. Emma Salter (was Compton last year!) will again be providing support car and general admin duties for this year's challenge.

We still start in Sorrento, on August 29th. Over the course of 14 days, including a rest day in Venice, we will travel almost 1000 miles through beautiful landscapes, and up epic climbs, including Stelvio Pass; Italy's highest road.

With roughly 62,000ft of climbing, and an average of 75 miles of cycling each day, this could be our toughest challenge yet. Here's the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21358471

Like our grand tours gone by, we are completely self funded with only Emma driving the van for support.

Why MS? Emma's mum has the secondary progressive form of this disease, and is therefore very close to James and Emma's hearts.

With recent stories in the press indicating that a break through drug for this form of the disease is now going into it's third phase, this gives so much hope for other families out there who may not have to go through what we do.

I believe a cure will be found in my life time. MS are funding this 6 billion pound research project, and could do with any donation you can spare.

You can text to donate if it's easier. Our unique code is "CIMS50" text this, followed by the amount you'd like to donate, to 70070

eg: "CIMS50 £2" to 70070

Follow our progress on our blog: www.ciclismo-italia.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ciclismoitaliachallenge

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Italy4MS