Every year I like to target one cycling challenge to motivate myself to get fit. In past years I have tackled the Migration Gravel Race and Unbound 200, but always knew that I had enough muscle memory from my years racing professionally to get through those types of shorter events. For this year, I knew I needed a challenge where I couldn’t fake it. Something that would really force me to get into proper shape. Riding the 21 stages of the Tour de France is the biggest challenge I have ever set for myself. But it’s not only for myself.

The Geoff Thomas Tour 21 charity initiative to raise money to fight Leukaemia funnels all funds towards essential research to battle this disease. For the past 20 years, my ex-wife has been battling multiple myeloma, and while it is not exactly the same disease, it is a blood-based cancer, which makes this great cause even more important to me personally.

In fact, Factor Bikes will match every donation that I receive, which effectively doubles anything you can give towards my fundraising campaign. And anyone who can give at least £100 will be entered into a raffle to win a new Factor frame.

Thanks,

Rob