Tour De France – the Challenge of a Lifetime

Tour De France – the Challenge of a Lifetime

To raise funds and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, Jonathan Douglas in association with Hayden Roulston (Ex professional Tour De France rider and NZ Olympic Silver Medallist) are searching for amateur cyclists who want the challenge of a lifetime by riding every stage of the 2018 Tour De France route, one day ahead of the actual race itself.

Jonathan has first-hand experience of family members suffering from mental illness. He now wants to make a difference and help others, including those supporting loved ones to seek expert assistance and support. A keen amateur cyclist and outdoors enthusiast himself he believes there is still a stigma about sufferers seeking help, especially amongst middle aged men.

The ride aims to help the Mental Health Foundation provide information to individuals, families, friends and whānau about where to turn for help and the ways to look after ourselves and others.

This is the first time a team of riders from New Zealand have attempted to ride all 21 stages of the race.

The Tour De France is the world’s most popular multiple stage cycling race.

The 2018 route will not actually be announced until October 2017, but will consist of 21 stages over a little more than period of 3 weeks or more and covers over 3000 km of riding. Each stage varies in length with the average days riding being between 150 – 190km. Some stages may be more than 200km long and involve riding over 2,000-metre- high passes.

The successful riders who meet the criteria of being fit and mentally tough enough to take on the non-competitive challenge will be expertly coached and supported by Hayden Roulston to give them the very best chance of success. We are aiming at providing 6 months training to the selected riders who will need to commit to up to 20 hours training each week.

Up to 20 places are available with expressions of interest being taken from 1 September 2017. Options are also available for riders wanting to take part in shorter 7 or 14 day challenges.

Interested riders are asked to contact Jonathan at info@rouleurbiketours.com or via the web site www.rouleurbiketours.com

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