An Oxford man is preparing to cycle the entire Tour de France route to raise funds for a national blood cancer charity.
Ian McMahon will be part of a team of 25 amateur cyclists hoping to generate more than £1 million for Cure Leukaemia.
The journey, covering all 21 stages of the 3,492km 2024 route, will see the team cycling the route just a week before the professionals.
The event, titled "The Tour 21", will run from Friday, June 22 to Sunday, July 14.
It starts in the city of Florence in Northern Italy, following the exact route of the Tour de France.
Mr McMahon said: "Participating in The Tour 21 is more than just a personal challenge; it's a commitment to make a real difference.
"Every pedal stroke through the 3,492 kilometres is a testament to our collective effort to fight blood cancer.
"I'm riding not only for myself but for those who are battling this disease every day."
Funds raised will support the national Trials Acceleration Programme network, financed by Cure Leukaemia.
The network is made up of specialist research nurses at 15 blood cancer centres in the UK’s largest cities.
Its primary aim is the accelerated setup and delivery of potentially life-saving blood cancer clinical trials, providing patients with access to treatments not currently available through standard care.
In preparation for the challenge, Mr McMahon and the team have been training in Mallorca, tackling mountainous terrain similar to the conditions they will face during the Tour.
The team will take on 52,300 metres of elevation across the 21 stages, the equivalent of cycling up Mount Everest six times.
Mr McMahon said: "This ride isn't just about enduring one of the world's most gruelling cycling challenges.
"It's about embodying the spirit of resilience and hope that we want to pass on to every individual affected by blood cancer.
"It's a daunting task, but the cause makes every hill climb and every mile worth it."
Support for Mr McMahon’s challenge can be given by donating online via his dedicated Justgiving page.
He added: "Every pound we raise through The Tour 21 goes directly towards life-saving clinical trials and research.
"Knowing that our efforts are contributing to potentially ground-breaking advancements in blood cancer treatment is a powerful motivator.
"We're not just riders; we're part of a larger movement to cure leukaemia.
“I am continually inspired by the support and stories of the community rallying behind The Tour 21.
"It's heart warming to see how sports can bring people together for a cause that's bigger than any individual achievement."
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