Channel to the Med cycle 2019
Join us for a challenge you’ll never forget and help us care for more people living with a terminal illness.
Day 1
Portsmouth – Ouistreham
Everyone will meet at Portsmouth. Bikes can be collected to avoid you having to travel with these, offering pick up and drop off points in Scotland, North West England, the Midlands, and Portsmouth. We'll get a ferry from Portsmouth to Ouistreham on the northern French coast.
Day 2
Ouistreham – La Ferte Bernard
Day 2: 109 miles and 5,137 feet
Cycling starts on day two! Initially we move through Normandy and pass round the ancient city of Caen.
Day 3
La Ferte Bernard – Tours
65 miles and 3,204 feet
On day three we continue our cycle, heading down through central France. Our route throughout the cycle avoids the worst of the French mountains.
Days 4 - 5
Tours – Montmorillon – St Yrieix la Perche
Day 4: 77 miles and 3,259 feet
Day 5: 89 miles and 6,778 feet
This is the half-way point for your French adventure. You'll continue your cycle through west-central France.
Day 6
St Yrieix – Gourdon
67 miles and 4,638 feet
Day 7
Gourdon – Montauban
68 miles and 4,141 feet
Your cycle on day 7 will take you to the picturesque town of Montauban in southern France.
Day 9
Castlenaudary – Marseillan Plage
89 miles and 5,431 feet
We approach the south coast and our final destination on the coast of the Mediterranean.
Day 10
Marseillan Plage – Bezier – London
We'll get on a flight back to the UK, from nearby Bezier to London.
What's included?
Event information
Get fundraising tips
Worried about reaching your target? Get some more ideas for how you can get those pounds rolling in.
Fundraising tipsHow the money you raise helps
£180 pays for someone with a terminal illness to attend the day therapy unit at the hospice.
£400 pays for someone to stay in a Marie Curie Hospice for 24 hours, so that they can receive the hands-on care they need in their final days.
£1,250 pays for a portable oxygen system that will relieve distressing symptoms, so a person doesn’t have to be confined to bed.
Channel to the Med gallery
“I've completed seven overseas cycles for Marie Curie. The challenges are addictive, you get an amazing opportunity to visit fantastic countries whilst raising money for a charity who do such wonderful work for the terminally ill in our community. I am already looking forward to my next challenge!"
Paul Healey, Marie Curie cyclist
Frequently asked questions
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Anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for a challenge can take part. The group size will be between 25-30 riders. The majority will be on their own, but some will do it with friends, partners or relatives. This event will be tough and exhilarating, but incredibly rewarding. It’s suitable for anyone with a bit of grit, determination and willingness to work as part of a team.
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The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the adventure. We expect participants to be prepared for challenging days of cycling up to 110 miles.
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You will need your own bike and helmet. We will send you a recommended packing list in your welcome pack which will provide further details on suggested kit.
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- Registration fee.
- Personal spending money.
- Your own personal kit.
- Bikes.
- Travel insurance.
- Cost of spare parts.
- Any food or drinks outside of the included meals.
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Water will be provided during the ride and at every meal. Meals will include lots of carbohydrates such as pasta and potatoes, as well as cereal, bread, fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and eggs. There will be vegetarian options at every meal. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
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Before the challenge: You will be sent a fundraising pack with great tips on how to meet your fundraising target. We will be in touch regularly and will organise a briefing day where you’ll meet other participants and hear more about the challenge. We’ll invite you to a social media group where you can arrange meetings for training events and social gatherings.
During the challenge: Your group will be accompanied by a cycle leader and bike mechanic, a UK registered doctor, and a Marie Curie representative. Your luggage will be transported to each night’s accommodation and secure storage will be provided for bikes overnight.
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We ask you to raise a minimum of £1,900. A minimum of £1,000* will go directly to Marie Curie, as well as anything you raise over the minimum sponsorship target. If you would like to pay for the trip yourself, please contact us on 0800 716 146** for more information.
*Based on minimum participant numbers.
**Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Your call may be recorded for quality and training purposes. Lines are open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.
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The cycle is in France in summer, and it can be very warm and sunny. High factor sun cream is essential. We recommend participants to come prepared for all weather conditions though.
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Anyone wanting to stay on after the cycle can arrange to do so. You'll need to book accommodation and arrange your return flight.
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Participants should have at least six months’ validity on their passports from the date of return to the UK. British nationals do not need a visa to enter France. Other nationalities should consult with their embassy.
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We require a minimum of 80% of £1,520 by 21 June 2019. The remainder of the sponsorship is due four weeks after you return from the event.
Channel to the Med cyclists are raising money for Marie Curie
Every cyclist makes a huge difference. Money raised by the French cycle will help Marie Curie care for people living with a terminal illness.
Sport Ecosse
This challenge is organised through Sport Ecosse. Sport Ecosse was set up in 2008 by Kevin Gerrie. With over 20 years of event management experience, Sport Ecosse organise highly professional and tailored cycling challenges in some of the world’s best landscapes.