On Friday, February 16, Brecon Rugby Club 16’s and 15’s players completed their 24-hour cycle challenge at Brecon rugby pavilion to raise funds for their upcoming rugby tour to Belluno in northern Italy this March.

Their challenge consisted of a 1181-mile cycle - the distance between Brecon and Belluno - on exercise bikes.

To complete the challenge the cyclists had to cycle at an average speed of 16mph for the whole 24-hour period.

The boys received plenty of support with friends and family calling in on them and offering encouragement.

A live video of the cyclists was streamed on social media for supporters to follow, as well as a webpage made by one of the parents just for the event, allowing people to follow progress on a live map.

The night ride was well supported with 14 boys staying through the night to take turns as and when needed, with a constant supply of food and drinks to keep the riders energised by coach Alan Taylor and Louise Williams, who both stayed for the entire challenge.

The boys were supplied with food and drink through generous donations made by Spar and Morrisons which were very much appreciated.

The cycle miles were completed at around midday on Saturday, but the boys carried on to complete the 24-hour challenge set to them.

Organiser Louise Williams said: “I am incredible proud of all of the boys. They came into this challenge knowing it would be hard work but they faced it head on and smashed it just as I knew they would.

“They are a fantastic bunch and they worked hard together as a team, especially through the night when minds and bodies were tired.”

Between sponsor forms, a GoFundMe page and a bunker collection at the home youth and first team games on the Saturday, it is estimated that between £2,500 and £3,000 was raised, which will go towards activities for the whole team while over in Italy.

Speaking on the achievement, Louise said: “I would like to thank everybody who has sponsored or donated and all the players and parents for their time, effort and support for these boys.

“It was wonderful to see such a strong bond between everyone.”