Amateur Edale cyclist to ride Tour de France distance and elevation in just one week

An amateur cyclist from Derbyshire has set off on a challenge to ride the same distance and elevation as the Tour de France as part of a campaign for gender equality in the sport.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The InternationElles – a group of women who, up until recently, have ridden the Tour de France route one day ahead of the men to campaign for gender equality in cycling – are planning to ride the same distance and elevation of the three-week Grand Tour, all without leaving the UK.

Prevented from travelling to France by the Covid-19 pandemic, 10-strong team - who are spread across the UK, Netherlands, USA and Australia – began their challenge today, at the exact same time the Tour de France started, and plan to cover 3,470km over four days in a non-stop relay.

Read More
Jess Fawcett, who is originally from Sheffield but now lives in Edale, is taking part in the InternationElles challenge this yearJess Fawcett, who is originally from Sheffield but now lives in Edale, is taking part in the InternationElles challenge this year
Jess Fawcett, who is originally from Sheffield but now lives in Edale, is taking part in the InternationElles challenge this year
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jess Fawcett, a communications freelancer who now lives in Edale, in the Peak District, is a multi-discipline rider and is part of this year’s team.

When asked why she joined InternationElles, Jess said: “To increase awareness and spark conversation around the lack of equality in cycling, whilst completing an epic life-changing challenge.”

Jess trains in the Peak District and competes in road racing, TTs, cross and the occasional Audax, in which participants attempt to cycle long distances within a pre-defined time limit.

She also co-created a charity for women’s cycling and battles hard for equality.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All the riders will undertake the challenge separately on static bikes – with Jess and the four other UK-based riders doing so from a base in South Wales.

The aim is to finish on Wednesday, September 2, allowing for a day of rest before they then ‘Everest’ – climb a height of 8,848 metres – on The Bwlch, in the Rhondda Valley, on Friday, September 4.

The 10 key points of inequality the riders are seeking to highlight and want to make the sport’s stakeholders address include reducing the pay gap in pro-cycling, increasing the number of women-only races, and the eradication of sexism within the sport.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star.

The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you.

Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.