Over a Christmas lunch, a friend of mine suggested we do a stage of the Tour de France (the “Etape du Tour”) together, along with his 20 year old son.  Worse, he signed up for the hardest of the two mountain stages that amateurs are allowed to do.

 

It is a 201km (125 mile) race in the Pyrenees, climbing 4 mountains and 5200m (17,060 feet) in total.

 

Worst of all, it’s not just about finishing, but about speed - if you don’t cycle fast enough you get “swept up” in the “broom wagon” , or as my 12 year old daughter summed it up : "Don't worry Dad, it's not the end of the world if you get put in the Loser Truck."  Thanks Lara !

 

Apparently “this is a very challenging route that will test even the more experienced rider and being a finisher of this Etape stage will be an incredible achievement…. It is truly a classic mountain stage that traverses the Pyrenees taking in the legendary climbs of Aubisque, Soulor, Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde, before a fast descent into the finish at the spa town of Bagneres de Luchon. ”.

 

It takes place on Saturday 14th July - Bastille Day and follows the route of stage 16 of the 2012 Tour de France, starting in the city of Pau.  Apparently “the professional race is 3-4 km shorter because of a “real start” out of the city” – great. 

 

I’m raising money for Macmillan Cancer support and would be incredibly grateful for any donation. 

 

 With best regards and many thanks 

 
Robbie

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.