Rider Chris Milner, who together with his team is hoping to raise £250,000 for charity Friendship Works, said: “A few of us have been training in the Alps in preparation and, although we know it will be extremely tough, we’re all very excited about the idea of racing with a Tour de France winner on these iconic climbs. That said, raising funds and awareness for such an worthy cause is what this event is really about and that keeps us all focussed beyond the riding.”
Richard Turner, Friendship Works CEO, said: “As a mentoring charity, we pair up disadvantaged children with reliable role models who can give them positive life-experiences. The children we work with face a range of difficulties, including problems at home such as severe financial hardship, parents with mental or physical health problems, domestic violence, alcohol or drug misuse. We believe the quality of adult relationships in a child’s life has a profound impact on their development into adulthood and journey through life – but pairing youngsters up with the right mentors takes time and expertise, which of course costs money. We’re immensely grateful for the challenge the Trois Etapes team is taking on for Friendship Works.”
This will be the first time Carlos Sastre has returned to Alpe D’Huez since his win in 2008, and Eurosport will be broadcasting Trois Etapes on Sunday August 19 at 17.45 GMT.