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South African survivor, speaker and ultra- endurance cyclist, Grant Lottering, is not called the ‘Miracle Man’ for nothing. His near-fatal accident and subsequent come-back has earned him that name. Grateful to have escaped death and paralysis, Lottering now rides the annual Im’Possible Tours, raising funds to educate less privileged youngsters through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Inspiring story
In 2013, Lottering, who now shares his remarkable story of survival, recovery and overcoming to encourage others, was told that he would never cycle again after suffering a near-fatal cycling accident in a race in the Italian Alps. But he would not give up on his goal as he has just raised over R1.3 million for charity.
“While still in hospital after my accident in 2013, I promised myself that I would be back in one year to finish the race I had started. After six surgeries and close to 100 rehabilitation sessions, I was back on the bike for the first Im’Possible Tour in 2014,” Lottering was quoted as saying in a statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA.
And now, the ‘Miracle Man’ has done the impossible in the French Alps, completing the grueling solo, non-stop ride of 962km, including 19 410m of climbing, in 46 hours and 17 minutes! On August 4, 2016, Lottering achieved his goal of riding 1 000km through the French Alps in less than 48 hours.
Starting in Frëjus near Cannes in France, Lottering completed the grueling solo, non-stop ride at Les Saises Ski Resort (one hour from Geneva) with a ride time of 46 hours 17 minutes and a total lapsed time of 50 hours and 40 minutes. Lottering climbed 20 mountains in this epic journey with a total elevation of 19 410m.
“I am overwhelmed by exhaustion, emotion and a profound sense of gratitude to everyone who believed that I could achieve the Im’Possible III,” Lottering said. “Without your support, and the knowledge that all the funds raised are going to the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation, I would never have been able to complete this incredible journey.”
The second Im’Possible Tour took place in 2015, in which Lottering became the first South African to attempt to complete a solo, non-stop 420km ultra-endurance ride through the French Alps in 24 hours. Now, he can add a third Im’Possible Tour and another record to his name.
The Im’Possible Tour III route covered 20 alpine climbs, including seven Hors catégorie (HC) climbs – Col d’Izoard, Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col de la Madeleine, Grand Colombier, Col de Joux Plan, finishing on the summit of Col des Saisies. Lottering was allowed eight controlled stops along the route for eating, changing clothes, and getting lights to navigate in the dark.
Throughout the ride, Lottering was followed by a film crew, two support cars and a support team of nine people.
“Grant having to ride consecutively for two days and two nights with no time for sleep took this challenge to the next level,” Glenn Lottering, brother and member of the support crew, said. “The support team goes through an emotional roller coaster in their own way and ended up being sleep deprived for the 50 hours as well. It was however, an honour to support him on this journey and I feel immensely proud of his achievement today.”
Lottering rode as a Laureus Ambassador to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport to nurture and develop underprivileged youth in their communities. For this tour, Lottering raised over R1.3 million for the foundation.
“Every Im’possible Tour is about pushing our personal boundaries of what’s possible if we believe, and this one was the toughest yet,” Lottering said, “but it’s not only about challenging myself, it’s about having an opportunity to change the lives of young people through sport.”
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa Chairman, Morné du Plessis, said: “On behalf of Laureus, I would like to congratulate Grant on this remarkable achievement. We are so blessed to call Grant an ambassador – sheer determination and pure humility. We are truly thankful to Grant for not only raising funds for our Foundation, but raising awareness around our cause.”
Lottering received thousands of messages of encouragement from as far as Canada and the USA. He has become an inspirational figure, addressing audiences world-wide and touching the lives of thousands of people. Lottering added: “Riding a section of the route in memory of Burry Stander (who passed away in an accident involving a taxi during a training ride in Shelly Beach on 3 January 2013) made this Im’Possible Tour extra special to me.”
A tired but triumphant Lottering concludes his Im’Possible Tour III by encouraging us all to extend ourselves, saying: “I believe we have all been blessed with unlimited potential. Set your own goals and don’t let others cast doubt on what you know you can achieve. With proper planning, focus, and belief in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to!”
Im’Possible Tour III
The Im’Possible Tour III route covered 20 alpine climbs, including seven Hors catégorie (HC) climbs – Col d’Izoard, Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col de la Madeleine, Grand Colombier, Col de Joux Plan, finishing on the summit of Col des Saisies. On day one, Lottering reached the 2 670m summit of Col du Galibier at 6:10am, after approximately 344km non- stop riding.
On day two, Lottering reached the halfway mark, the summit of Col de la Madeine at 3:15pm, after approximately 620km and 31 hours and 25 minutes of riding. Lottering’s final push was to reach the summit of Col des Saisies within his targeted ride time of 48 hours, and with one hour and 43 minutes to spare, he completed his gruelling journey.
Fundraising and Support
One hundred percent of all funds raised through the Im’Possible Tour lll 2016 will go to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation which identifies and trains young leaders, selected from a wide base of sport for social change programmes across Africa, to use the power of sport to successfully transform their communities. Laureus (Reg. nr IT2573/2002) is a registered Public Benefit Organisation and carries section 18(A) tax exemption status. All donations can be paid directly to:
Grant Lottering
A remarkable story of survival, recovery and overcoming. Grant Lottering shares his inspirational journey with audiences where he inspires and challenges them to reach beyond their limits and accomplish what they never thought possible. Grateful to have escaped death and paralysis, Grant rides annual Im’Possible Tours, raising funds to educate less privileged youngsters through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
