40 | Cycling World
three months to go , the riders are eager to see how their fitness compares to their fellow riders ’. They ’ re nervously checking out each other ’ s bikes , discussing kit and debating the value of body weight loss over carbon for those big mountain climbs in the Pyrenees and Alps . It ’ s my first chance to ride with any of them and a chance to hear some of their stories and how they came to sign up to this challenge . Paul is a heavily tattooed , lean and keen roadie . He looks tough , but he ’ s a sweetheart really . Nevertheless , he should have ‘ commitment ’ tattooed somewhere because this guy is seriously focused on the job in hand . He ’ s been training hard all winter , come rain or shine and will be riding all 21 stages . He ’ s clearly well-prepared , but he still has a healthy dose of nervous anticipation . He ’ s still not sure he ’ ll make it to Paris injury-free . Just like the pros – it ’ s never a done deal .
“ The opportunity to push my mind and body against cycling ' s ultimate challenge is too good to miss , and to have this adventure with like-minded people will make it even more rewarding . I feel mainly excited , but also apprehensive because I know for sure I ’ ll be heading towards emotional extremes from euphoria to complete emptiness … Bring It On !"
By contrast , Denzil has none of the road-biking experience of Paul , but he ’ s humble and keen to learn as much as he can before heading to the Pyrenees for five of the toughest days of cycling on the tour this year . I predict emotions will be running high on the top of the Tourmalet , let alone the peak of Mont Ventoux , where he finishes . Denzil will be tested to the limits of his abilities and fitness , but I don ’ t doubt for one second that he ’ s got the grit to complete it . Like Paul , he ’ s absolutely committed to this challenge .
“ I have always loved the Tour De France but didn ’ t ride a bike . I needed a massive challenge in my life and up popped ‘ Tour De Force ’. It is true , I have my doubters , but I have my will power and I have my sponsors - failure is not an option ” Annabel is a taking on the first half of the tour and although she ’ s ridden lots of long distance cycling holidays , the Tour de Force is probably going to be her biggest challenge yet . Riding from the Grand Depart at Mont St Michel to Andorra , she ’ ll be clocking up 1756km over just nine days of cycling . Based in Scotland , training through the winter has been really tough . Hours spent in spinning sessions and a big winter sun training camp have helped her get in shape but she ’ ll be working hard right up until her departure on tour . She ’ s a cheerful , fun person and what she lacks in endurance she ’ ll make up for in positive mental attitude .
“ I love a challenge and I love riding my bike . For me it ’ s partly about testing myself physically , but it ’ s also about enjoying the freedom of cycling in beautiful scenery with some fun , like-minded people .”
Paul , Denzil and Annabel are just three of 170 or so riders taking part in the Tour de Force 2016 , riding the route of the Tour de France , one week ahead of the pros . If you wish you were joining them , contact info @ tourdeforce . org . uk to grab one of the last available places for 2016 .
Sales for the 2017 tour open on Wednesday 20th July for the first 100 places .
The Tour de Force is a fundraiser for the William Wates Memorial Trust . The Trust gives grants to charities that work with the UK ’ s most disadvantaged youth by engaging with them through sports , music and education . The Trust has raised over £ 2.5 million through the Tour de Force . Riders commit to a minimum fundraising target dependent on the number of days they are cycling .