It takes thighs of steel and a iron determination to complete the Maratona dles Dolomites (Dolomites Marathon), a gruelling 85-mile cycle covering seven mountain passes.

Eastern Daily Press: Adrian Tipple, from Sprowston, is getting ready for the The Maratona dles Dolomites (Dolomites Marathon), an annual single-day road bicycle race covering seven mountain passes in the Dolomites. He is doing it to raise money for Wymondham-based charity Star Throwers. Picture: Courtesty of Adrian TippleAdrian Tipple, from Sprowston, is getting ready for the The Maratona dles Dolomites (Dolomites Marathon), an annual single-day road bicycle race covering seven mountain passes in the Dolomites. He is doing it to raise money for Wymondham-based charity Star Throwers. Picture: Courtesty of Adrian Tipple (Image: Archant)

But that is the target Adrian Tipple, of Sprowston, has set himself in a bid to raise £1,000 for Wymondham-based cancer support charity Star Throwers.

Mr Tipple said he was excited about the challenge, which takes place in northern Italy on July 2.

He said: 'If you're a cycling enthusiast this is a real bucket list ride. It involves 4,200m in climbing and you go up and down 150 times. There are 10,000 riders taking part so it should be quite an atmosphere.'

Mr Tipple said Star Throwers was a charity worth supporting. He said: 'I really like what they do, trying to help people the best they can.'

Donations can be made at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/adriantipple1