New Ride L’Etape Charity Challenge
Posted Friday 22nd July 2011 –
Children’s charity Action Medical Research is planning its toughest cycling challenge yet – a new event giving riders the chance to replicate a mountain stage from this year’s Tour de France.
Registration has just opened for the new Ride L’Etape event, which takes place between 6-9 September 2012 and will follow the punishing route of this year’s stage 19, being tackled by the elite riders today (July 22).
The 116km ride through the French Alps will start in Modane and tackle three of the Tour’s most notorious climbs – the Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d’Huez. It promises stunning views, twisting hairpin bends and gruelling gradients.
The three-day trip includes the option of a 60km one-day warm-up ride from Chambery to prepare for the main challenge, which will also be timed to add to the Tour experience.
The main route will cross the Col du Télégraphe at 1,566m before climbing up the legendary Col de Galibier (2,556m). After some downhill respite the final ascent begins up the famous 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez. At ‘only’ 14km long this final climb of the day is relatively short but renowned for its steep gradients, which have enabled dramatic and gutsy displays of riding over the years.
Oly Watts, International Cycling Event Manager at Action Medical Research, said: “This has got to be our toughest challenge yet and an opportunity not to be missed. It’s a chance to experience the Tour de France from the saddle and conquer some of the most famous climbs in cycling, following in the treads of the sports greatest riders.”
Riders participating in the challenge will need to raise money for the charity, which helps fund vital medical research into conditions affecting babies and children. Research currently being supported by Action Medical Research includes work around meningitis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and premature birth, as well as some very rare and distressing conditions that severely affect children.
To find out more about the ride and sign up visit the website
