Take on a challenge like professionals

And you can do some good for others at the same time by swapping the sweep of the Prom to cross the French Alps via a route regularly taken on the Tour de France!

This coming September, a 24-strong party will head over to Nimes for a seven day, 512-mile cycle challenge with climbs up among others Mont Ventoux, known as the Giant of Provence, and the 21 hairpin bends that ascend the summit of Alpe D’Huez.

In total, the cyclists will scale more than 56,600ft!

The ride is raising money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, as well as a Lancashire-based youth charity.

The challenge is being organised by businessman Ste Pritchard, a keen cyclist, who has previously supported both charities and has undertaken similar cycle challenges.

Ste said: “The challenge is open to men and women of all ages and abilities but it does require commitment.

“It is not something that can be achieved without a lot of training.

“Pre-challenge, every participant is assigned his or her own mentor and a tailored training programme with ongoing training and dietary advice provided by elite race team riders and coaches, including support from the Team GB staff at Manchester Velodrome.

“During the challenge, the riders are fully supported in a way that matches the mechanical and other help given to professionals.”

There are two trips – the first at the beginning of September, which is full, and the second from September 22 to 29 which has eight challenge places left.

Each rider funds their own place and all pre and during event support at a cost £1,250, which also includes flights, accommodation and meals.

They are also asked to raise a minimum of £300 in sponsorship for the charities.

For more information about the trips visit www.cycle-the- alps.co.uk.