Thank you for your generous donations. If you haven't donated yet but would like to this site will still be open for another month. 8,000 amateurs took on 15th Stage of the 2006 Tour de France. 191 km over Col d’Izoard (2,360m), Col du Lauteret (2,058m) and finishing on Alpe d’Huez (1,850m).  6 months of training including a training camp in Lanzarote and a weekend in the Alps. 10th July 2006 - hottest day of the year so far in the Alps put a spanner in any hopes of a fast time and I completed in just under 10 hours. My bike computer recording 42 C as we ascended Alpe d’Huez. In the end the total climb was 4,000m. So longer, hotter and higher than last year. Veterans of multiple Etapes rated it the hardest yet. Cramp set in after 120km for me just as my body was feelilng good and I was cruising up Col du Lauteret. This meant that much of the next 70km and two climbs was spent in a tedious circle of cycle, cramp, stop, stretch, cycle, cramp, stop, stretch. I am raising money for Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without borders). Paula (my wife) & I have both been impressed with MSF's work and courage during our times working in Malawi and Pakistan respectively. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Medecins Sans Frontieres UK 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. The cost of this trip was covered by myself so all money donated will go to helping the work of Medecins Sans Frontieres. Many thanks for your support. Dan Coulcher