Shine On! L'Etape du Tour 2010
L'Etape du Tour is a stage of the Tour de France which is open to amateur cyclists. This year's Etape is in the Pyrennes in southern France and takes place on Sunday 18th July, 4 days before the professionals race along the same course. The distance is 174km and includes 4,000m (vertical) of climbing. The race starts in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the historic town of Pau and ends with a 1,600m climb to the top of the Col de Tourmalet (2115m), one of the legendary climbs in France and certainly one of the most difficult. Other major climbs in the race are the Col de Marie-Blanque (1035m) and the Col du Soulor (1474m).
L'Etape is a test of fitness, strength and stamina. The weather in the Pyrenees is unpredictable. It could be very hot or, like 2 years ago when the race was there, zero degrees at the top of Tourmalet with heavy fog and 10m visibility! We can think of no better motivation to get us up the testing climbs than helping children with cancer and their families. Tyler battled bravely for 23 months. His short life has proved an inspiration to many to get involved and to try to make a difference. We are just two of those many and would be like to ask you for your support of such a worthy cause.