Music teacher scales new heights

Jake Collins has just cycled 800km from Nice to Genever covering the Alps and said it was his biggest challenge yet.

The Avon Valley School and Peforming Arts College teacher tackled the Haute Route, which is split in seven consecutive stages and covers 800km stretching from Nice to Geneva, and takes in the stunning scenery of the Alps.

He joined the start line with 500 other amateur cyclists on August 28 at Nice’s fabled Promenade des Anglais and started his epic journey, which ended on September 3 at Geneva’s Jardin de Anglais on the shore of Lake Geneva.

During stage two, Jake overcame the region’s highest point, Col de la Bonnette, which rises above 2700m.

Jake said: “The ride was, without doubt the hardest, most ridiculous, yet rewarding experience of my life.

“I am aiming to go back next year to see if I can make time cuts on each stage.”

Alison Davies, headteacher at Avon Valley, said: “This was a huge challenge to which Mr Collins committed a huge amount of effort and energy.

“Completing the route was a marvellous achievement and everyoone at the school is very pleased for him.”