Summary Richard takes on the highest mountain bike race on Earth - the Yak Attack. Taking place in the mighty Himalaya, comprising of 11 stages, covering 400km and with a total altitude gain of over 12,000m, this race throws every obstacle under the sun at the adventurous riders daring to take it on. Its 248 miles of some of the most brutal terrain, from the hot and dusty lowland foothills to the snow covered, oxygen thin, Thorong La pass at an altitude of 5416m/17,769ft. The Yak Attack posed Richard with a unique challenge having only returned from a 39-day solo R&D expedition in Antarctica just two weeks before he left the UK for Nepal and after skiing solo for 974km/605 miles. Richard took on the world's highest mountain bike race on his Specialized Epic mountain bike having lost 16kg/2.5st and arrived at the start line far from his best. The programme follows all the dramatic (and literal) ups and downs of Richard's journey as he attempts to complete one of the toughest endurance races in the world and begins in earnest his extreme preparation for his Antarctica Speed Record attempt.

• Adventure