Mountain-cycling fundraisers are our riding lights - The Leamington Observer

Mountain-cycling fundraisers are our riding lights

Leamington Editorial 17th May, 2022   0

A CYCLIST is among a team who will take on a gruelling Tour de France challenge in July to raise funds for six national charities.

Dave Birch from Cubbington and his two teammates from the Blue Light Cycling Club (BLCC) will tackle all three ascents of the daunting Mont Ventoux in Provence – renowned for its Tour de France dramas – twice in 24 hours.

The three cyclists will be attempting two climbs from each of the three starting points – Malaucène, to the north-west, Sault to the east, and, the oldest and most difficult ascent, from Bédoin to the south.

They will ascend almost 29,000 feet during rides of 85 vertical miles – all within the specified time limit of 24 hours. Such is the severity of the challenge that fewer than 400 people have ever achieved it.




Formed in May 2020, BLCC is the only nationwide cycling club that supports emergency services and Armed Forces personnel.

Help for Heroes is one of the six charities set to benefit from the challenge and, only recently, received a cheque for £2,000 from BLCC as one of the club’s chosen charitable donations for 2022.


Help for Heroes’ area fundraising manager Rhys Edwards said: “When you consider the history of the climbs and the time limit set, it’s little surprise that so few people have achieved it. I’m in awe of the guys and thank them for their efforts on our behalf. I wish them all the best – and plenty of Vaseline!”

The other five charities to benefit from the BLCC 24-hour Ventoux challenge on July 2 are NHS Charities

Together, the Fire Fighters Charity, the Coastguard Association, Care of Police Survivors (COPS), and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mtventouxchallenge to donate.

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