Simon Booth
Simon's 'Etape du Tour' Challenge
Fundraising for DCWC Nepal
Story
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As many of you know, since January I've been ramping up my training in preparation for the Étape du Tour, a cycle race along the route of the 20th stage of this year's Tour de France. On 20th July 2009 I rode the race in memory of my cousin, Tim, who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident whilst out cycling and to raise money for the Development of Children and Women Centre (DCWC) Nepal charity which was close to his heart.
I started the 172km race at 7am in Montelimar and finished after 8h 32m 25s in the saddle on the top of the "Giant of Provence", Mont Ventoux. I covered the first 150km with relative ease reaching the base of Ventoux in just under five and a half hours. The sun was shinning and I was feeling good, then I started the ascent of Ventoux and the pain started and the realisation of the task ahead set in.
Lance Armstrong wasn’t wrong when he said it was "the hardest climb in the Tour, bar none". It took me 2hrs and 45 minutes to ride just 22km to the top. The gradient and the beating sun were relentless. I passed many riders, some walking, some sitting with head in hands, some lying down, some vomiting through dehydration and exhaustion! Out of the 8500 people who started around 1100 didn’t finish. With thoughts of my cousin and support from you all I was able to keep the pedals turning!
After a few short stops to regain my composure and a brief acknowledgment of the Tommy Simpson memorial the 1 km to go banner was in sight. My heart rate rose my cadence picked up and I crossed the line … only 2 minutes and 11 seconds slower than (a slightly chubby) Chris Boardman.
I took some photos along the way to tell the story of the race which can be found on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58055305@N00/sets/72157621655956701/detail/
In 2008 DCWC Nepal built a school in a remote Nepalese village in memory of Tim, with money raised by family and friends. I was lucky enough to visit the school and see the excellent work carried out by the charity. I would like to continue this fund raising in memory of my cousin and to help DCWC Nepal support people less fortunate than ourselves.
For more information on DCWC Nepal please follow these links:
- Homepage: http://www.dcwcnepal.org/
- Set Devi School opening: http://www.dcwcnepal.org/blog/?p=313
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. They’ll send your money directly to DCWC Nepal and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.