A KEEN cyclist battled his way across 50km of the Tour de France route this week to raise money for the National Autistic Society.
Trevor Wright completed the ride up the Alpe D'Huez, tackling 21 hairpin bends and a 14.5km climb – just a couple of days before the Tour follows that stretch of the route.
Trevor, 56, said they were due to attempt the feat on Wednesday, but had to bring it forward a day because of the weather in France.
He said: "We decided to get on with the rise as soon as we got there on Tuesday because there was a storm forecast for Wednesday, when we had originally planned to do it.
"It rained a lot on Wednesday so I'm glad we did it sooner. It would have been so tough in the rain."
Trevor, of Darley Abbey, often spends his Sundays cycling to Carsington Water.
He said: "It might seem a long way but it's hardly anything compared to the distance of the Tour de France, or even the distance of the small section of it that I covered.
"Cycling is something I enjoy doing but it's more of a hobby, really.
"But when the chance came up to do this, and raise money for a charity that's in need of some more help, then I couldn't say no."
Trevor was at a meeting of the Derby and District National Autistic Society when the opportunity came to take part in the ride.
He said: "I was going to France to watch the Tour anyway so it was just an added thing to do while I was here.
"I love cycling and always look forward to watching the Tour de France."
The Derby City Council employee said that it was hard work but that he would do it again – just not in a hurry.
He said: "I had about four weeks to train for the event and, around working, it was a challenge to step up my training and time to dedicate to getting my cycling practice in.
"I would do it again in the future but I would do lots more training and get fitter before taking on the challenge."
After completing the task, Trevor spent his time relaxing and recovering, waiting for the Tour de France to pass through, on the journey he completed.
Trevor said: "The professionals make it all look so easy and like it's the most natural thing in the world to them – which it probably is – but now I know just how hard it is and how much strength they need to be able to complete every part of the Tour."
Sponsor Trevor by visiting www.justgiving.com/Trevor -Wright2 or find out more about the challenge at www.autism.org.uk/clubs challenge.
