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Thank you so much for your fantastic support for my Tour de France. I am delighted to say that I achieved all of my goals for the event in spite of some unhelpful weather : stay safe, complete the course, enjoy it, and raise some charitable funds in the process.

It was an amazing experience. The day dawned as 9000 cyclists were assembled in the starting area with thunder and lightening and rain ! The weather dried up a little over the first 60 miles of relatively flat terrain, but as we started the first 15 mile climb (Tourmalet) we quickly ascended into thick cloud which meant no spectacular views from the top - too bad ! Descending was a very fast 22 miles downhill, but extremely cold in the chilling mist with teeth chattering and arms shaking. Luckily the second mountain (Hautacam) beckoned for the last 8 miles of uphill work which warmed us up again though still shrouded in thick cloud. Job done !

I finished in a time of 8 hours 38 minutes, was 54th in my gender/age category, placed 4367th overall out of 9000 riders, and have raised something over £1850 so far for my chosen charities. It is not too late to sponsor me if you wish, or just have a look :

http://www.justgiving.com/mytourdefrance

The professional Tour de France riders will follow the same route from Pau to Hautcam on Monday 14th July, and I believe that TV coverage will be on ITV4 at 7pm. There you will see everything, but they will finish considerably faster than I managed to and hopefully have better weather too !

Helen

ps. action photos here ...

http://www.maindruphoto.com/advanced_search_result.php?cPath=1352_1353&numbercompetitor=3584&x=39&y=5

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Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

I am looking forward to my Tour de France with an equal mixture of excitement and fear ! It will be 103 miles cycling in the Pyrennees with two mountains to climb (2 miles vertical ascent) and all in under 8 hours. I've trained hard through the wind, rain, snow, sleet, gales, ice, drizzle, hail, and more recently a few milder and sunnier days ! I am supporting the Autism Trust as it is so greatly needed and I know that the people behind it are skilled and determined enough to make it happen. Please help me to help them achieve their goals for all young people with autism.

So please sponsor me now, it will make a difference to me in my training and on the day, and to people with autism for the duration of their adult lives.

Many thanks for your support,

Helen

ps. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Autism Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

My Tour de France

My Tour de France

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