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
ends