Meet the class of 2025...

First and foremost, Cure Leukaemia is a fantastic charity that has made unbelievable progress in the treatment for leukaemia, positively revolutionising outcomes for those who are affected by the disease. To think that one day we may be able to prevent blood cancer through the research and trials that are enabled by our fundraising is a truly humbling and motivating thought. From the perspective of the Tour 21 challenge itself, I have looked on with admiration over the past few Tours at those that have taken part, and this simply feels like an immense physical and mental challenge that I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to take part in.

What are you most excited for?

Being part of a team that is going to raise such important funds for this great charity, £1m will be a hell of an achievement and I want to ensure I play my part in getting to this. I’m also looking forward to some fantastic views, some nice weather, and that feeling of accomplishment after a really hard day cycling and climbing….. oh, and of course the two rest days.

What are you most nervous about?

This is completely unlike anything I’ve ever done before, and the commitment to the training is daunting, as well as the event itself. With a job at Bidfood and as Dad to three young girls, getting the training hours in will be a task in itself. The unknowns of multiple days in the saddle, tired legs, immense climbs and how my body reacts to all of this certainly fills me with a little trepidation. But ultimately, I am expecting it to be incredibly difficult, so anything less than that on our days out may be a welcome relief! They say visualisation is a powerful tool in sports, but if the anxiety of visualising 15%+ gradients doesn’t finish me in advance, then Ventoux itself might.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/timadamstour21

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride part of the Tour de France route, plus raising money for a fantastic charity, with all funds raised going directly to the Trials Acceleration Programme, in the effort to Cure Leukaemia.

What are you most excited for?

Challenging myself to take on iconic climbs and experience France in Tour mode, a week before the pros take on the same roads!

What are you most nervous about?

The weather! The event goes ahead whatever the conditions, adding a potential extra challenge to what’s already a very gruelling event.

Cycling has an incredible power to bring people together and build community. We see this again and again, when cities lay new bike lanes and business booms, or when group rides turn into cafe regulars. I found this myself after being hit by a car while biking. I was badly hurt, lost a pinky, and it changed my life — for the better. That crash made me get serious about cycling activism, and the results have been very rewarding. My city is listening, and improving.

Any person even casually familiar with cycling knows the Tour de France. It is famous — and famously gruelling. To tackle the TdF is to attempt a rare challenge. That’s attractive, but if it were just that, it might feel a little like vanity. Knowing that The Tour 21 is paired with such an important cause, to Cure Leukaemia, creates a sense of inspiration but also of obligation: I can choose this challenge, but no one chooses leukaemia, and having committed to both riding and raising money, I’m stirred to see it through.

What are you most excited for?

No doubt several of the stages will string together two or three segments that are bucket-list rides for many cyclists. Coming from North America means my opportunities to access those rides is limited, makes The Tour 21 a wonderful opportunity to check off a ton of incredible cycling — back to back to back.

What I’ve been unexpectedly touched by so far, however, has been the passionate support by friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers. The cycling challenge attracts their attention, but it is the cause that stirs their hearts. I think that will be the lasting memory.

Similarly, I expect that the group of riders tackling The Tour 21 together will forge a unique bond, and I’m looking forward to getting to know this varied gang.

What are you most nervous about?

I love my home in Manitoba, with its vast skies and prairie horizons. But how to train for the mountains in the middle of one of the largest, flattest areas on Earth poses a conundrum. I can head for the nearest hill and ride it all day long, but I’ll never do a fraction of the steady climbing I’ll see on The Tour 21, and I’ll never get to any kind of altitude.

What I can do is ride directly into the wind, for as many kilometres as I want. Frankly, I might prefer the switchbacks.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/grant-hamilton-bikes

There is no better way to support a great charity by doing something I love, riding my bike.

What are you most excited for?

Most excited for the iconic climbs on this route with Mont Ventoux and Col De La Loze.

What are you most nervous about?

🤷‍♂️

First and foremost, it’s about fundraising for such an important cause. The thought of helping to fund the amazing work of Cure Leukaemia is exciting. It’s also about continuing to challenge myself and see what my mind and body can achieve.

What are you most excited for?

Day 1 and Day 21! On a serious note I am excited to meet the whole team, my fellow fundraisers and each and everyone of the support team. It’s really not possible to do 21 Stages without the support team. Along the way we will do some of the iconic climbs of the Tour which will be very cool. My wife is doing The Route in 2025 so I am very excited to see her at the finish of Tour 21 and then join her at the start of her adventure!

What are you most nervous about?

There are the usual concerns about sickness and crashes, but I am most nervous about the lack of downtime! I enjoy being relaxed and doing things in my own time. That’s not the case here. From the moment you step off the bike you are on the clock to recover, eat, sleep and repeat!

Last year’s Tour 21 was such an incredible experience that I had to do it again.  We need to raise more money for those suffering from Leukaemia!

What are you most excited for?

Saving more lives through our fundraising.

What are you most nervous about?

Punctures!

My mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2019, then diagnosed with Leukaemia on July 27th, 2020 and given just a couple of months to live. She has fought hard for 4.5 years, but the end is getting very close. Also, I am a huge cycling fan and my dream has always been to ride the tour. The chance to combine these two passions is unbelievable and the opportunity of a lifetime. When I found out I had been chosen for the Tour 21 team I started crying because the chance was coming true.

What are you most excited for?

I am excited AND terrified to be riding the Tour de France route. I have had a chance to climb Mont Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez, the Galibier, Tourmalet and many other famous climbs and I know how hard they are. Now to attempt to ride 2100 miles in three weeks AND couple it with these epic climbs is both exhilarating and scary all at the same time. The Tour de France is one of the hardest physical challenges on the planet and it is amazing to have a chance to ride it. It is a true test of physical stamina, endurance and perseverance and I get to find out about myself by doing it.

What are you most nervous about?

I am nervous about the fundraising. I know it will be a challenge and I do not want to let people down. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to help raise money to fund drug trials to help people. I view that as a huge responsibility that I take very seriously. I am nervous because I have less experience at fund raising, than I do at cycling. The unknown is always scary but I get the chance to face it.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/joe-dominey-1722305714175

I am riding Tour 21 to check off a huge bucket list / “dream come true” to see if i can accomplish the Tour as an average cyclist.

What are you most nervous about?

Nervous…  I am most nervous about finishing the entire 21 stages.

My interest in the Tour 21 event started as a once in a lifetime ride on the same route as the professional riders.  I knew one Leukemia patient as my motivation, but two weeks into the launch, I have met four other families affected by this dreaded disease.  If I can help raise funds to help find a cure or better treatments, I am “ALL IN”.

What are you most excited for?

I am most excited to meet the other riders and to experience each day of the tour with them and the Tour 21 team.

What are you most nervous about?

I am nervous about the downhills.  My bike has rim brakes and some of the downhills will be difficult to keep the speeds at manageable levels.  I am also nervous about the mileage day after day.  I did some training late summer to test my ability to ride long distance on consecutive days.  I worked my way up to three centuries back to back to back, but lost eight pounds in the process (over 7 weeks).  I will have to figure out how to maintain my weight during my ramp up in the spring.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/timothy-obrien-1725850624013 

I am a leukaemia fighter and a survivor, I want to feel life with all of its powers, and doing something for a life saving cause.

What are you most excited for?

Claiming the iconic Alps dHudz climbs

What are you most nervous about?

That I won’t be ill again before the event

Last summer, within just five weeks, I lost two dear friends – Seany and Frenchie – to cancer. Seany, just 29, had leukaemia, while Frenchie, at 36, after an inspirational battle was also taken from us by this cruel disease. Their untimely passing has profoundly impacted my life.

This challenge, whatever it may be, has become a beacon of purpose for me. It serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of seizing every moment. Their absence has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the precious time we have and the urgency to pursue our passions and find joy in every experience.

I can almost hear their laughter now, imagining their playful teasing as I embark on this journey. I know they would both be cheering me on, their spirits guiding me every step of the way.

What are you most excited for?

Beyond the invaluable contribution to cancer research, this challenge represents an opportunity for deep personal growth. I’m eager to test my physical and mental limits, to push beyond perceived boundaries, and ultimately emerge stronger and more appreciative of the journey. The breathtaking French countryside will undoubtedly provide a stunning backdrop for this transformative experience.

What are you most nervous about?

For me, I think nerves are luxuries, privileges that many battling cancer can no longer experience. They are a reminder that I am alive, that I have the capacity to feel deeply. So, while I may be pushing my limits (and internally no doubt battling) the plan is to not succumb to self-pity. I want to embrace the challenge, channel my anxieties into strength, and emerge from this experience a testament to our resilience.

As a long distance triathlete/endurance runner – I love a good physical challenge and for me – there is nothing bigger than the Tour in terms of something that will push you to your limits.

Personally, I also have lost a number of loved ones to cancer and if my suffering for a few days or weeks in the saddle helps raise much needed funds for this great charity – it will be something to be proud of.

What are you most excited for

Working with the team to overcome this epic challenge and developing a body akin to Michealango’s David as a result.

What are you most nervous about?

Realising half up Alp du Heuz that David was made out of stone and it makes it hard to climb. Well that and climbing in general – it is going to be a flat route – yeah??

I lost my uncle to Leukameia when I and my cousins were young so I’m delighted to do something in his memory, and raise awareness and sponsorship for this great cause. I’m also a keen cyclist who’s always dreamed of cycling along a Tour De France route through the Alps.

What are you most excited for?

Taking on some of the biggest mountains in Europe

What are you most nervous about?

Being too excited and full of adrenalin to sleep