Andy Savin, Web Systems Developer at the University, will be putting his cycling stamina to a gruelling test when he takes on a Tour de France mountain climb in aid of the children’s charity, the NSPCC.
Andy will tackle the Col de la Faucille (1232m), a climb used regularly in the Tour de France cycle race, at the end of a 580km cycle challenge from London to Geneva, completed over eight days.
To take part in the challenge Andy needs to raise £3,425 towards the NSPCC’s campaign against child cruelty and is hoping that colleagues will show their support by sponsoring him.
He said: “For a variety of reasons, two years ago I found myself overweight and very unfit. I thought it was about time I did something about it. Since then I have lost six stone and last year I ran the Bath Half Marathon.
“This year I wanted to push myself further and this challenge seemed like a good idea and I get to support a brilliant charity. I’m not entirely sure that the size of the challenge ahead of me has fully sunk in.
“I’ve begun cycling to work when I can and have even managed Bathwick Hill on occasion! I have a training plan which really begins five months before the challenge, starting with four or five miles three days a week, working up to 30 miles a day with 80 mile rides at the weekend as the challenge date gets closer.
Andy will start out on his challenge on 7 September 2011 but needs to raise 80% of his sponsorship money by July.
Donations can be made online or email Andy for a paper sponsor form.