One of the most hardcore records around is the 100,000m Team Record. For those not in the know, this is a ten-person event which, at the highest level, involves people rotating on and off the machine every 10-15 strokes and banging away at full power for over four hours. Previous holders of this record have included a Leander Club side made up of the likes of Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell and Ed Coode and Royce's Gym from Wigan, who have held the record since May 2002 with a time of 4:17:52. Last weekend, however, the MAD Team IRC gathered at the Marriott St. Pierre Golf and Country Club in Chepstow to have a crack at that time. After a day of awesomely powerful rowing, organiser Jon Goodall takes over the story:

"Sunday the 11th of January 2004 could well be known in years to come as MAD Team day.

"The MAD Team Indoor Rowing Club mounted an assault on the 100,000m Team World Record, which also doubled up as a demolition test of a Concept 2 Indoor Rower. The team demolished the 100,000m record and gave the Concept 2 its biggest test ever! Given the relentless pace of this 100,000m this was a real test of just how tough the Concept 2 machine really is.

"Based around 10 stroke bursts, 6'6" Graham Benton set the tone of this record attempt by hitting 1:05 splits on his very first rotation and ended up making history by hitting sub 1:10 splits on every single rotation. Graham hit splits of 1:05 - 1:08 from start to finish, followed closely by 6'3" Rob Smith who also hit 1:10 or under on every single rotation. In all, every team member hit a peak split of 1:10 or better.

"The team was made up of the following: Graham Benton, Nik Fleming, Graham Kirk, Tony Larkman, Rob Smith, Chris Brett, Kevin Peebles, John O'Grady, Steve Hammonds and Andy Insje.

"No less important were the support staff, which included Steve Sanders (Chief Cox), Pete Marston (Rotation Coordinator), Graham Parker (Chief Timekeeper), Phil Morris (Foot Strap Holder), Jon Goodall (Seat Holder and Changeover Caller) and Caroline Baldwin and Jane West (Sports Massage).

"Nigel Mayglothling and Olympic Champion Jonny Searle provided the commentary and were simply in awe of the sheer pace on display. Jonny Searle said afterward 'The guys went off at an unbelievable pace and four hours later they were still going at an unbelievable pace!' They went through the first 5,000m in just 12:24, 22 seconds ahead of World Record pace and an incredible average of 1:14.4/500m. 25,000m in and they were still at 1:14.9 and pulling further and further ahead of the record.

"In the end the MAD team crossed the finish line in 4:12:46.7, an average 500m split of 1:15.8 and five minutes and five seconds clear of Royce's Gym's record.

"The main focus of this record attempt was raising money for the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS).

"Every single team member did themselves proud as they have all been raising money for the NDCS in their own regions. The team kept it very clear in their minds from day one that raising money was the priority and that any records were an added bonus.

"We decided to take a new approach to the tactics. Instead of the traditional two helpers holding foot straps we opted for one foot holder and one seat holder, with the team taking turns on the other foot strap, which seemed to work well. This was a very, very demanding race but, as they say, 'pain is temporary...'

"Every time the 100,000m record is broken, people always say 'this will never be broken'. Only time will tell as to how long this one will last. The guys have already said if it ever gets beaten then they'll want to do the 'MAD 100k' pt2.

"The team set up online donations at www.justgiving.com/madteam100k, which is still active for anyone who wishes to donate. Final totals are still being counted but, in all, the team have raised close to 10,000 pounds for the NDCS (www.ndcs.org.uk)."