OXFORD and Cambridge are known for their fierce competitiveness in the Boat Race.

But a group of Oxford students are hoping to make a splash in a different way, by pushing themselves to the limit in a 1,000-mile charity cycling race against their rivals.

Eight cyclists from the Oxford University Officer Training Corps will race from London to Edinburgh and back, via Cardiff, hoping to raise thousands for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and the Forces’ mental health organisation Combat Stress.

Among them is third-year chemistry student Sam Calderwood, 20, pictured left, with cyclist Pete Williams. He said: “We are aiming to raise £100,000, so if we can do that, it will be worth all the pain.”

Fellow cyclist Chris Boote, 23, said: “We are trying to do 100 miles of training a week as a group. It is good fun, and a great event to get people together and involved in. A lot of people are new to cycling so it’s all about boosting fitness.”

The Varsity Triple Crown Challenge starts on September 12 and lasts for 10 days.

To support the teams, visit varsitytriplecrownchallenge.com.