On July 6, I cycled up two famous mountains as part of the Etape du Tour, a mountain stage of the Tour de France in the Pyrenees. It was a great experience although it rained all day. I rode 104 miiles in 8 hours 35 and was totally exhausted. The pros did the same stage on July 14 in about 5  hours and I was watching it on TV!

I'm raising money for Send a Cow, a charity that enables poor farmers in Africa to become self-reliant by providing them with livestock, training and advice. They work with some of the most vulnerable groups in Africa, including the disabled, families affected by Aids and children orphaned by war.

Donating through Justgiving is the most efficient way to sponsor me: Send a Cow gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, 25% in Gift Aid plus a 3% supplement are added to your donation.

Plus my employers, L'Oréal, will contribute in proportion to what is raised so please give generously.

Thanks, Steve