WORCESTER cyclist Andrea Turner created a new record for her club after pedalling a gruelling 207 miles in 12 hours.

Turner was the first from the Worcester St John’s club to do the Cycling Time Trials 12 Hour Challenge.

She suffered severe cramp after 85 miles which dogged her until the finish and had to stop regularly for drinks on the undulating Hampshire course.

The 51-year-old mother-of-three, of Northwick, said it was the toughest thing she has ever done and she will not be attempting to smash her own record.

“It was a record I was determined to break for my club,” revealed the teacher.

“It was the toughest mental test I have ever endured but my goal was first to finish, second to complete 180 miles, third 200 miles and fourth 204 miles which my grandfather Leslie G Willison achieved in 1928.

“He was a member of Midland Cycling and Athletic Club and was aged 26 at the time and unemployed so he had lots of time to train.”

St John's club chairman Ed Dursley said Andrea is "an inspiration".

He said: “Andrea initially got involved with the club helping out at events to support her daughter Nixie who is a talented triathlete.

"Andrea started riding on our social rides and in just two years has improved massively.

"She has had an impressive year and to achieve this is just jaw-dropping. It is an inspirational story for anyone wanting to give cycling a go.”

Turner has been a St John’s member for 10 years and said she was bitten seriously by the cycling bug three years ago.

She continued: “This challenge became my ambition last year. I have been training really hard but I only decided to enter for sure two weeks before the event.”

Club time trial secretary Martin Staines said: “Andrea’s ride of over 200 miles in such windy conditions is fantastic and I hope it encourages other women to have a go at this ultimate time trialling challenge.”