13th July: A big thank you to all of you who sponsored my ride. Your generous sponsorship enabled me to exceed my fundraising target. I'm happy to say that I completed the course, crossing the line in 9h28mins - a bit slower than I was hoping but ahead of the broom wagon which follows the race at the minimum pace.
By all accounts, the weather was the worst anyone can remember for the Etape. It rained steadily from the moment we arrived at the starting pens and temperatures were barely above freezing at the top of the cols meaning the 30km descent from the Col du Tourmalet, which should have been the highlight of the day, was in fact a recipe for hypothermia.
The climbs were steep, long and relentless and at the top of the first col (Tourmalet), I couldn't possibly imagine how I would be able to climb the second (Hautacam). The last 2 hours seemed impossibly long and at 5km to the finish I had to stop and figure out how I was going to summon up the strength to keep going.
The secret had been explained to me by a man as we both rested at the top of the Tourmalet. He said just remember it's not 165km, it's 1km, 165 times - forget what came before and what's coming next. He had only one leg which put my efforts into perspective!
Monday 14th July the pros take on the same stage that we rode. Apparently, they're expected to finish in under 5hours. I'll be watching the highlights from an armchair, with a cold beer or two!
Etape du Tour
The Etape du Tour is a cycle ride held every year over the exact route of a mountain stage of the Tour de France. It is open to 7,500 amateur riders and takes place whilst the actual pro race is under way (the pros usually reach the Etape stage about a week after the amateurs).
This year's 165km (102mile) stage in the Pyrenees is a classic, taking in the monster pass of the Col du Tourmalet at 2115m and the brutal Hautacam climb. To spice things up, riders have to travel at a minimum average speed of 18km/h or get eliminated.
All in all, a bit of a suffer-fest! But there's a good reason for me to be taking part:
Alkaptonuria
Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disease caused by a missing enzyme which means the sufferer can't breakdown a substance called homogentisic acid.
The acid accumulates in the body eating away at bone and cartilage in the joints, leading to severe disability. Most sufferers will be wheelchair bound and end up having replacement joints. The disease can also cause heart, respiratory and eyesight problems. At present there is no cure.
Julien and Daniel are six and four. They are two extremely bright and happy boys with an encyclopedic knowledge of dinosaurs. Their parents are Nick and Sonya Sireau. Nick and I have been best friends since school. Unfortunately, both of Nick's boys were born with Alkaptonuria. Right now they're like any boys their age and have no symptoms but it is only a matter of time unless a cure can be found.
Some good research is taking place through the Alkaptonuria society thanks in no small part to Nick and Sonya's efforts. A drug called NTBC may be able to help sufferers and is being trialed but funding is key to keep things moving, to increase awareness and to generate more research.
I'm hoping to finish the Etape in around 9 hours and, by doing so, to raise money for the Alkaptonuria Society. Please donate generously. Many thanks.
