Cycling superstar Mike takes on the Tour de France
York cycling superstar Mike Hughes has raised £10,000 in three years on sponsored bike rides – but now he’s set himself the toughest challenge yet. The Tour de France.
Mike is hoping to raise an incredible £19,000 as part of the Power Peloton ahead of the great race.
The Power Pelton sees a hand-picked team of 25 cyclists take on the gruelling roads of stage one of the Tour de France’s Grand Départ – just hours before sporting legends such as Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish tackle the same roads.
The charity riders will head from Leeds to Harrogate on Saturday, July 5. After their own podium finish they can relax by watching their cycling heroes cross the finish line behind them.
Each of the 25 pledges to raise £19,000 – enough to fund a nurse for a year for Marie Curie Cancer Care, the official charity partner of the Grand Départ.
Next stop Paris
Mike is not content with just doing the first stage however. On July 24 he will set off from London for Paris cycling with Marie Curie to finish off what he started.
Mike will eventually ride down the cobbles of the Champs-Elysees on Sunday, July 27 before the thrilling climax of the 2014 Tour de France.
“My challenges in the past have included cycling to Paris twice, and completing a stage of the Tour de France over the Alps,” said Mike, commercial agent with licensed property specialists Sidney Phillips.
“But to start off on the day of the Grand Depart and finish on the morning of the climax of the whole Tour de France in Paris is going to very special. Tough, but very special.”
Dr Jane Collins, Chief Executive of Marie Curie, said: “The Power Peloton is not only an amazing feat of endurance; it’s a once in a lifetime chance for those involved to be part of history.
“I want to thank each and every one of them for the taking on this challenge and raising a fantastic amount of money to support the work Marie Curie does.”
YorkMix will be publishing Mike’s blogs as he trains in preparation for this once in a lifetime event.
Support Mike
Anyone wishing to support Mike Hughes can donate via his Just Giving page, or by sending the text MJDH64 (amount) to 70070.
Those wishing to send a donation by post please include a note advising it is for Mike Hughes Power Peloton making the cheque payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care and sending it to:
Daffodil House
Halifax Way
Elvington Airfield
York YO41 4AU