On Saturday 19th June 2010 myself, Williams (who's fault this all is), Beardy and Roly along with various other charity riders will be leaving Holland and cycling the 2010 route of the Tour de France, staying a fortnight ahead of the professionals, and finishing in the Champs-Elysees, Paris on Saturday 10th July.
We will be riding the same 20 daily stages, with 2 rest days, over a 3 week period. The majority of the charity riders will ride one or two stages of their choice – a true test of stamina, on average burning 7000 calories a day, with uphill stretches up to 30 km long and hill gradients up to 12% over 5 mountains – an awe-inspiring opportunity to experience the greatest sporting test in the world.
We will be attempting the whole 3,556 km, averaging 178km per stage!
This is a challenge that takes in arguably the most physiologically demanding of athletic events and requires effort comparable to running a marathon almost every day for nearly three weeks, while requiring a total climb in elevation equivalent to climbing three Everests...
All in all it is a pretty daunting challenge. Some serious, serious training will be needed just to be able to get round. I have been through various stages of (i) excitement, (ii) bewilderment as to what I have signed up for, (iii) complete and total fear, and (iv) resignation... Currently excited about June, but not so keen on the prospect of a winters worth of training as I look out at the snow...!!
Full details of the route, the charity and how to donate can be found at www.tourdeforce.org.uk
S
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