11th July 2006

The deed is now done and we are all home safely.

Out of a starting field of 7,548 I came 5,199 in a time of 10hr 34' 35".  The 21 year old, 65kg winner managed around 6 hours.  Finishing was the true victory and finally conquering the 1,100m and 21 endless bends of Alpe d'Huez - a feat in itself  that took me nearly 2 hours.  It was here I must have gained 500+ places as I passed riders who were walking, resting or collapsing.  With true grit I just kept on going in the saddle grinding the average gradient of 8%.

Click http://www.alpedhuez.com/admin/img/page/fichier/Info_station_ete.pdf to see the climb.

The day was sunny and hot - 30 degrees plus with what appeared to be a little head wind. 

Support and comraderie along the way was fantastic.  The climb and final approach to Alpe was particulary well supported - a dress rehearsal for the real thing.  Despite over 10 hours in the saddle I still managed a sprint finish passing half a dozen riders in the final 150m before realising I had kicked in too early so faded as I approached the line. 

The Tour will ride the route on 18th July - you can see highlights on ITV4 at 7pm - have respect for each climb especially the final one - if it does not look steep - believe me it is.

I hope to be posting an official action race photo shortly.  Here are some low definition ones.

http://www.maindruphoto.com/advanced_search_result.php?cPath=181_182&numbercompetitor=5939&submit2=Search&&language=en

 With any pain now gone I look forward to seeing what mountains they throw at us next year and which of you I can persuade to partake. 

 I thank all those who have sponsered me - the final amount will be in excess of the target £10,000.

Regards

Richard

 

Original message below.

Thank you for visiting my website.

At a party last Christmas I was tempted to ride a stage of the Tour du France  - actually a stage they open to amateurs, 8,000+ of us.  We ride it a few days before the pros.  This year the stage is arguably the most challenging - Gap to Alpe d'Heuz - a distance of 191km with 3,500m of alpine climbing.   The views will be spectactular.  See http://www.letapedutour.com for more details. I expect to complete it in 9 hours. 

Having trained some 4,000km with 200 hrs in the saddle we are just about ready.

It was not my original intention to raise money for charity but friends and family persuaded me otherwise. 

Royal Marsden is an organisation I have favoured for over 20 years.

The good news on the fund raising is that I've already managed to get matched whatever you donate up to £5,000.

Keep an eye on this site to see how I do.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign 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.

Many thanks for your support.

Richard Hutchings