SUPER-FIT Chris Welham completed one of cycling’s most brutal challenges – with a flat tyre.

The 50-year-old, from Colchester, took part in the Tour de France Etape – an event that allows professionals and amateurs to cycle the same route as Tour de France stage.

Former motorsport star Welham tackled stage 20 – 81 miles from Annecy to Annecy-Semnoz, culminating with an energy-sapping 1,655-metre climb – on Sunday morning.

And as if completing the distance in scorching temperatures in less than five hours wasn’t impressive enough, Welham, incredibly, had to contend with a flat tyre for 50 of the 80 miles.

“It was absolutely brutal and horrific, but at no point did I think about stopping,” he said.

“That thought never entered my mind. “It was like a battlefield at times. I was overtaking guys lying by the side of the road and others who had resorted to walking their bikes.

“I had cramp towards the end and the pain was immense.

“Thankfully, there were food and drink stops before the last mountain, which helped, but then the ascent was almost vertical!

“The big crowd were fantastic, though.

“They’re fanatical about cycling and they’re literally shouting in your ear, pouring water on you.

“To finish was an amazing feeling and I couldn’t take it in.

“I’m very proud and feel this experience will make me a much better cyclist.”

Welham admits he would have been fuming had the tyre trouble put an end to his challenge.

He suffered a puncture after 30 miles – only to be told it could not be repaired.

Instead, he had to have his front tyre pumped up at five stops throughout the remainder of the course.

“When it was flat I only had 40lb of pressure in there, when it should have been 160lb,” said Welham, who started 11,340th out of the 13,500 riders and finished inside the top 3,000.

“It makes it even more of an achievement, I suppose, but when it first happened I thought it was game over.

“If that had happened I would have been mad and probably thrown my bike over the side of the mountain.

“Thankfully, that wasn’t the case and I couldn’t believe it when I finished.

“The ascents were an enormous mental challenge, but in some ways the descents were just as hard because of the speed.

“At times I got up to 50mph.

“It required huge concentration because the slightest movement or mistake on my part could have led to serious injury.”

Welham, who is tackling the London to Paris race in September and plans to compete in cycling’s World Championships next year, was back out on his bike for a double session on Tuesday. He is coached by British Cycling and supported by Colchester’s Cycle Revolution store.