Chris Hoy is to ride the Etape, here's the story from his website:
Ever since Chris was about 16 and looking like he was going to take a reasonable crack at being a professional cyclist, the number one question has been "When will you ride the Tour de France?"
Now, when this comes from well meaning Aunties or friends, it is a reasonable question. When it is coming from supposedly savvy cycling press and assorted media types, it is a bit disappointing. What they don't realise is that Chris is genetically a sprinter. He has tried endurance events, 25 mile Time Trials, Mountain Biking, The Junior Tour of Ireland. On each occasion, I have waited full of expectation on the finish line and waited and waited and... he always turned up, eventually.
Chris has short twitch muscle fibres. They react fast, very fast. He can respond quickly but can not go for much more than a few minutes. You wouldn't ask Michael Johnston to run a marathon. Don't ask Chris to ride the TdF.
That is unless his coach dares him to have a go! Shane Sutton and Dave Brailsford have both challenged Chris to ride L'etape du Tour. This is a mass participation event where 8,500 riders attempt a stage of the famous Tour. This year it is the infamous L'Alpe D'Huez. The highest peak of the tour. The stage is 191 km with three Cat 1 climbs. It will take about 8 hours of hard work to conquer this beast. Reputations have been made and destroyed by this climb.
Chris is attempting to complete the course in the company of 8,500 other cyclists all joined in the dream of completing one of the most feared climbs in world cycling. But Chris will not be rolling up the hill without a target. As usual, he likes a challenge. His challenge is to raise funds for Children With Leukaemia. He is asking all his supporters, all his fans, world wide, to join him on the climb. Chris is committed to the climb, you can commit to raising funds for this fantastic charity. You can check out their site and add your name to his supporters here.
Give him some support, when he is on the edge, absolutely shot, in the saddle for 6 hours, two to go, he needs our support. The children need your support. What would you do with £10? Bottle of wine, couple of pairs of socks, 40 fags, a CD, help save a life?
Donate here: www.bmycharity.com
Please ensure you tick the GIFT AID BOX. It adds 28% to your donation.
Chris Hoy's site here
