Vasili, the Lion of Crete, was one of the most successful, heroic and legendary leaders of the Cretan Resistance. A member of the infamous SOE, Dudley Perkins survived a year on snails, dandelion roots and local help as he hid from the enemy in the mountains.

Riders will have to draw on the same resilience and courage as Perkins if they're to make it through Stage 4, the toughest leg of The Minotour. Travelling through one of Crete's most isolated regions, it's a punishing route that combines soaring elevations and long distances, with already wearied legs.

The reward: getting to climb through the stunning ranges of the Lefka Ori - or White Mountains - high above the gaping Samaria Gorge. Before speedily descending down spectacular serpentine roads as the sun slowly sets. It's a hard but rewarding day.