Most of us are happy to just watch the Tour De France. Newbury Road Club member Donal Linehan decided to do it!
After a COVID shortened attempt in 2022, Donal has just completed the ultimate cycling challenge. All 21 Stages and 3404 kms of the Tour de France. One week ahead of the pros.
This specially organised pre-race tour is called ‘Le Loop’, and while cycling Donal has also been raising funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust – you can still boost his fundraising here. Donal sported NRC strip on many stages and, after he finished on the Champs Elysees on Monday evening, he sent us this postcard below.
From all your fellow NRC members, a mighty ‘Chapeau’ of respect on a fantastic achievement.
“Tour de France 2023: It’s a WRAP!!
So, I finally arrived in Paris, 21 Stages after leaving Bilbao.
We cycled 3400km across five French mountain ranges through various weather – a little rain and a lot of heat ☀️
I met some new friends and caught up with some old friends. We rode hard but we worked together and had lots of fun along the way.
We raised over £500,000 for the William Wates Memorial Trust which seeks to support under privileged young people achieve a better start in life. We met some of the kids on the tour and they rode some of the stages. They are truly inspirational!
Thanks to everyone who supported me through messages of encouragement and kind donations - they are very much appreciated. My personal fundraising page is still open here.
I may be walking around in a daze for a few days as I readjust to normal life.
If you want to see how challenging some of the climbs were, have a look at the last 5km of Stage 17 ( (Wednesday 19th) on Col de la Loze (sections up to 24%!).
Au Revoir
Donal, Paris, 17 July 2023
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