All but one of the 22 cyclists taking part in the Actavis Lifecycle Challenge 2014 crossed the finishing line in Tokyo yesterday afternoon, after a gruelling 2,000km ride which veterans of the extreme event described as the hardest yet.

Apart from two days when the cyclists had to climb up 15km of mountains, the route took them through several major towns with traffic lights every 100m, stretches of pitch black roads and tunnels with no cycling lanes.

There were regular falls and one cyclist skidded on the second day, hitting a roadside barrier before ending up under a passing trailer.

Though he only needed a few stitches, the incident shook everyone. This year’s challenge, the 16th edition, is once again raising money for the Renal Unit.

www.lifecyclechallenge.com