At 108 miles, with 4,000metres of vertical climbing, L’Etape Du Tour is one of the toughest amateur races in the world, attracting around 10,000 riders to take on the challenge which this year is across the French Pyrenees. The three main climbs in this year’s race are Col Du Marie Blanque, Col Du Soulor and Col Du Tormalet, the last climb being one of the highest passes in the Pyrenees, which at over 2000 metre high regularly sees snow even in July. On July 22nd July the professional peloton with Bradley Wiggins and Lance Armstrong will battle over the same route which is always one of the hardest in the grand tour itinerary.
Last year 2,000 Etape riders didn’t make the finish line, but David Fletcher was one of the dedicated cyclists who completed the race, in a total time of 9hr02min. David is hoping to shave 30 minutes off that time to complete this year’s race in around 8hr30min and raise £1,600 for the MS Society.
David Fletcher said: “I am thrilled to be able to use my passion for cycling to raise money for the MS Society.
“My preparation for L’Etape Du Tour has gone really well so far and has included the 157mile Tilff-Bastonge-Tilff through the Ardennes region in Belgium, the 106 mile Dartmoor Classic and the 117 mile Dragon Ride through the Breacon Beacons. I can’t wait to get in the saddle for this incredible challenge and to raise money for such a good cause. If anyone would like to sponsor me, please visit my just giving page or support me through selling or buying tickets for the raffle I have organised with the support of local businesses”.
David has organised a raffle to raise money with prizes including a £500 voucher to spend at Plymouth Cycle Scene, tickets for four to ‘The Sound of Music’ at the Theatre Royal, dinner at the Barbican Pasta Bar and a bottle of Tattinger Champagne.
Through a combination of donations, sponsorship, a collection organised by a neighbour at the B&Q superstore at Crownhill in Plymouth which raised £165 through till-side collection buckets and a car boot sale, David is aiming to raise £1,600 for the MS Society.
To make a contribution to David’s fundraising efforts please visit www.justgiving.com/David-Fletcher1999
To support David’s fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society by selling or buying raffle tickets please contact (01752) 782161 or email msraffle@hotmail.co.uk
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