Kcom project manager cycles the heights of Everest in gruelling training camp

18 March 2013: Tom Cox, a Project manager at Kcom, the managed communication provider, has just returned from a military style biking boot camp. Every year, the Royal Navy and Marines run an intense cycle training camp to make sure their people are at the top of their fitness level. Tom Cox, who has been cycling since the age of 15, was selected to take part in the week long, gruelling training camp, after winning the National 50 mile Championship last year for the second time in three seasons.

Tom’s goal this year is to retain the title. He’ll be given a helping hand by the Royal Navy and Marines plus his coach who is a Warrant Officer Personal Trainer in the Royal Navy and a top UK rider in his own right.

The week long training with the Royal Navy and Marines was a perfect opportunity to test his cycling skills. The camp was held at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth and incorporated a vigorous fitness agenda including ramp tests, endurance riding, circuit race training and swimming.

Throughout his week of training Tom kept a cycling diary:

- Total amount of uphill riding was 32,000ft - the height of Everest!

- Burnt 13,000 calories

- Spent 31 hours on the saddle

- Covered a total of 465 miles

- Approx. average power during week 200w

- Max. Power during week 767w

- Max heart rate during week 176bpm

During his week of training, Tom also raised over £250 for KCOM Group Partner charity, Sparks.

“It was an immense privilege to ride with the guys that were involved in the Royal Navy and Marines training camp based on the job they do for us and the country,” says Tom. “It was great to be able to be involved with their elite group of riders and on equal terms even better; especially as in my hometown at the age of 60 you can get your bus tokens! At my age it also means a lot to be able to give a helping hand to those who are just starting out in the world and need some extra support.”

To gain entry into the National 50 mile Championship, the field is drawn from the fastest 150 riders from the previous year. Tom’s qualifying time for the 2012 championship was 1 hour 56 minutes and 2 seconds; his average speed around 26.8mph. Tom was presented with his medal for his outstanding achievement by Stephen Roach, who won the Tour De France in 1987. The 2013 Championship takes place on Sunday 23 June in South Wales this year.