Cure Leukaemia have announced plans for a cycling tour to raise awareness for blood cancer as they become the first ever Official Charity Partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (TDFFAZ) in the UK.
The new partnership sees the launch of The Route, allowing 25 female cyclists from the UK to ride the TDFFAZ route in 2024, one day ahead of the main race. The Tour de France Femmes was first launched as the female Tour De France in 2021 and this event provides additional opportunities for amateur riders to test their skills on the most arduous route in cycling.
In 2021, the route saw riders tackle 1,033km across the eight consecutive days and a similar distance can be expected for this event, with riders travelling in tandem with the main tour.
A statement from Cure Leaukaemia revealed: "'The Route” will be organised by Cure Leukaemia and will offer female riders the opportunity to live the Route, feel the Route and ride the Routesame hotels as the pros, receive official training and event kit from the charity’s official kit supplier, dedicated physio and mechanical support along the way and rolling road closures throughout the event."
They will ride a day ahead of the main event, with an identical route and the same privileged access to closed roads in what will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for some. Cure Leukaemia Chief Executive James McLaughlin said: "We are extremely proud and excited to be the first ever charity partner in the UK for the TDFFAZ.”
“Since 2021, we have had the likes of Sarah Hope, Jackie Fowler and Nicole Perry all complete The Tour 21 and this year we have got a further four females taking part, so every year the number of female cyclists is increasing.
By launching “The Route,” it is the next natural step in offering female cyclists the opportunity to ride the same route as the professionals whilst further enhancing our partnership with A.S.O.”
For more information about Cure Leukaemia, go to: www.cureleukaemia.co.uk
