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RTÉ News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
How does cycling 3,483km in 21 days affect your body?
Analysis: Completing the Tour de France route is a monumental achievement for any cyclist as it takes a serious toll on the human body By Steve Faulkner, Nottingham Trent University The Tour de France is often called the world's biggest annual sporting event. Each July, up to 12 million people line the roadside, while the cumulative TV audience tops 3 billion viewers across 190 countries. In 2025, 184 riders will compete in teams of eight, racing a punishing 3,483 km route with nearly 50,000 metres of climbing, roughly the height of Mount Everest six times over. Over 21 stages, riders tackle time trials, flat sprints and brutal mountain passes through the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central. Irish cyclist Ben Healy is the current race leader and yellow jersey holder after 11 stages of the 112th edition. Professional cyclists possess extraordinary endurance and are capable of generating high power outputs day after day. Yet, despite having far less training and support, a number of amateur cyclists have begun riding the Tour route in recent years just days before the pros. The Tour 21 is one such effort and offers cyclists a chance to follow in the tyre tracks of the elite while raising money for a good cause. In 2021 I joined 19 others to ride the full route in support of Cure Leukaemia, with a shared goal of raising £1 million for blood cancer research. As a blood cancer survivor diagnosed at 16, this challenge combined my love of cycling, my background in science and my deep desire to give back to the community that helped save my life. It was also a unique opportunity to study how amateur cyclists cope with one of the most demanding endurance events in the world. The research findings were published in the Journal of Science and Cycling, to coincide with 2025's Grand Départ (the official start of the race) in Lille. Training for the impossible Originally, the study planned to include lab-based physiological assessments of the amateur cyclists undertaking the Tour de France route, but the pandemic forced us to adapt and rely instead on data from training diaries. These gave us insight into how much (or little) training had been done leading up to the ride, and how riders managed the physical and mental strain during the event itself. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Ben Healy takes the yellow jersey at the Tour de France, the first Irishman to do so since Stephen Roche in 1987 While professional cyclists typically train 20–25 hours a week – often at altitude, with tailored coaching and racing schedules – our group of amateurs had full-time jobs, were typically 15–20 years older than the pros and trained around seven to ten hours a week. Our preparation was far from ideal, averaging just 47km per ride and 350 metres of climbing; a fraction of what the Tour demands. In fact, this amounted to less than 10% of the required climbing during the mountain stages. Once the ride began, the contrast between training and reality was stark. The group averaged nearly seven hours of riding a day, a 300% increase from their usual routine. Within four days signs of overtraining began to emerge: riders were no longer able to elevate their heart rates, a classic marker of central nervous system fatigue and excessive physical stress. From Global Cycling Network, how does the Tour de France impact rider health and fitness? As the days progressed, performance metrics continued to decline: heart rates dropped, power outputs fell and mood scores deteriorated. The cumulative fatigue was undeniable. Surprisingly, when we compared our amateur data to metrics from professional riders, we found that although pros ride at much higher power outputs, amateurs were subject to greater relative stress. On some days they spent almost double the time in the saddle, which meant they operated closer to their physical limits, with far less time for recovery – and often suboptimal sleep and nutrition. By the final week many of the riders could no longer produce the same power they had in the first few days. In some cases, heart rates wouldn't rise above 100 beats per minute – a clear sign of accumulated fatigue and physiological overload. How to prepare for an ultra-endurance challenge If you're planning to take on a major endurance event – whether it's cycling, running, or hiking – here are some lessons from the road: Train specifically for the event Your training should mirror the challenge ahead. For the Tour, this meant preparing for long, back-to-back days with significant climbing. Mimic the intensity, volume and terrain as closely as possible. Understand how quickly fatigue builds Over multiple days, fatigue doesn't just accumulate – it compounds. Listen to your body, adapt your plan and include plenty of recovery time. Prioritise nutrition and recovery These two factors can make or break your performance. You'll need to consume enough energy to fuel the effort, but avoid excessive intake that leads to unnecessary weight gain. Recovery – through sleep, rest and refuelling – is equally vital. Work with an experienced coach More than fancy bikes or high-tech gear, a good coach is your best investment. They can help tailor your training plan, track your progress and adapt strategies as needed. Don't underestimate this support. From Cheddar Explains, what the Tour De France does to a rider's body Completing the Tour de France route is a monumental achievement for any cyclist — amateur or pro. In 2021, our team not only rode the full route, but also raised over £1 million for Cure Leukaemia. For me, it marked a deeply personal milestone in my cancer journey. Throughout those 21 days, I thought often of the physical and emotional battles I faced during treatment; moments when I didn't know if I'd survive, let alone ride across France. That experience gave me the resilience to keep going, even when my body was screaming to stop. Riding the Tour taught me that we're capable of far more than we realise, especially when we ride with purpose.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
I rode the Tour de France to study its impact on the human body – here's what I learned
The Tour de France is often called the world's biggest annual sporting event. Each July up to 12 million people line the roadside, while the cumulative TV audience tops 3 billion viewers across 190 countries. In 2025, 184 riders will compete in teams of eight, racing a punishing 3,500 km route with nearly 50,000 metres of climbing – roughly the height of Mount Everest six times over. Across 21 stages riders tackle time trials, flat sprints and brutal mountain passes through the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central. Professional cyclists possess extraordinary endurance and are capable of generating high power outputs day after day. Yet, despite having far less training and support, in recent years a number of amateur cyclists have begun riding the Tour route just days before the pros. The Tour 21 is one such effort and offers cyclists a chance to follow in the tyre tracks of the elite while raising money for a good cause. In 2021 I joined 19 others to ride the full route in support of Cure Leukaemia, with a shared goal of raising £1 million for blood cancer research. As a blood cancer survivor diagnosed at 16, this challenge combined my love of cycling, my background in science and my deep desire to give back to the community that helped save my life. It was also a unique opportunity to study how amateur cyclists cope with one of the most demanding endurance events in the world. The research findings were published in the Journal of Science and Cycling, to coincide with 2025's Grand Départ (the official start of the race) in Lille. Originally, the study planned to include lab-based physiological assessments of the amateur cyclists undertaking the Tour de France route, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to adapt and rely instead on data from training diaries. These gave us insight into how much (or little) training had been done leading up to the ride, and how riders managed the physical and mental strain during the event itself. While professional cyclists typically train 20–25 hours a week – often at altitude, with tailored coaching and racing schedules – our group of amateurs had full-time jobs, were typically 15–20 years older than the pros and trained around seven to ten hours a week. Our preparation was far from ideal, averaging just 47km per ride and 350 metres of climbing; a fraction of what the Tour demands. In fact, this amounted to less than 10% of the required climbing during the mountain stages. Once the ride began, the contrast between training and reality was stark. The group averaged nearly seven hours of riding a day, a 300% increase from their usual routine. Within four days signs of overtraining began to emerge: riders were no longer able to elevate their heart rates, a classic marker of central nervous system fatigue and excessive physical stress. As the days progressed, performance metrics continued to decline: heart rates dropped, power outputs fell and mood scores deteriorated. The cumulative fatigue was undeniable. Surprisingly, when we compared our amateur data to metrics from professional riders, we found that although pros ride at much higher power outputs, amateurs were subject to greater relative stress. On some days they spent almost double the time in the saddle, which meant they operated closer to their physical limits, with far less time for recovery – and often suboptimal sleep and nutrition. By the final week many of the riders could no longer produce the same power they had in the first few days. In some cases, heart rates wouldn't rise above 100 beats per minute – a clear sign of accumulated fatigue and physiological overload. If you're planning to take on a major endurance event – whether it's cycling, running, or hiking – here are some lessons from the road: 1. Train specifically for the event Your training should mirror the challenge ahead. For the Tour, this meant preparing for long, back-to-back days with significant climbing. Mimic the intensity, volume and terrain as closely as possible. 2. Understand how quickly fatigue builds Over multiple days, fatigue doesn't just accumulate – it compounds. Listen to your body, adapt your plan and include plenty of recovery time. 3. Prioritise nutrition and recovery These two factors can make or break your performance. You'll need to consume enough energy to fuel the effort, but avoid excessive intake that leads to unnecessary weight gain. Recovery – through sleep, rest and refuelling – is equally vital. 4. Work with an experienced coach More than fancy bikes or high-tech gear, a good coach is your best investment. They can help tailor your training plan, track your progress and adapt strategies as needed. Don't underestimate this support. Completing the Tour de France route is a monumental achievement for any cyclist — amateur or pro. In 2021, our team not only rode the full route, but also raised over £1 million for Cure Leukaemia. For me, it marked a deeply personal milestone in my cancer journey. Throughout those 21 days, I thought often of the physical and emotional battles I faced during treatment; moments when I didn't know if I'd survive, let alone ride across France. That experience gave me the resilience to keep going, even when my body was screaming to stop. Riding the Tour taught me that we're capable of far more than we realise, especially when we ride with purpose. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Steve Faulkner does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Winnipeg Free Press
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Fundraising tour de force
A Brandon cyclist is gearing up for the ride of a lifetime in support of cancer research. Grant Hamilton is heading to Europe this week to join Tour 21, an annual event that sees a team of amateur cyclists ride the full Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals. The team will pedal more than 3,500 km in 21 days, including climbs and summits in the Pyrenees mountains and the French Alps. It's part of an effort to raise nearly $2 million for Cure Leukaemia, the official charity partner of the Tour de France. Grant Hamilton is heading to Europe this week to join Tour 21, an annual event that sees a team of amateur cyclists ride the full Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals. (Matt Packwood / The Brandon Sun) Cure Leukaemia funds clinical trials, driving global advancements in blood cancer treatment and impacting those affected by the disease. Hamilton is the only Canadian on the team. The 48-year-old communications and marketing professional first heard about the event while watching last year's Tour de France. 'I heard the commentators talking about essentially middle-aged schlubs tackling the entire route… and they were doing it for charity,' Hamilton recalls. 'I thought, well, I'm a middle-aged schlub — maybe this is something I could throw my bike helmet in the ring for.' Tour 21 participants commit to a $22,000 entry fee and a minimum fundraising amount of $55,000. Hamilton is covering his own costs and has raised more than 90 per cent of his fundraising goal. Lately, Hamilton's training regime has involved riding as many kilometres as he can. He travelled to California to cycle the Santa Monica Mountains last December and, in March, he joined a Team 21 training camp in Majorca, Spain. A&L Cycle has been assisting Hamilton with training plans, nutritional advice and equipment. 'It's a huge endeavour he's taking on,' says Tyler Wirch, co-owner of the Brandon bicycle shop. 'The Tour de France is probably the hardest bike race in the world… and we wanted to be part of it as much as we could.' The shop couldn't ask for a better cyclist to support than Hamilton, Wirch added. 'He's spent a ton of time on it and, just in general, he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met.' Hamilton believes that cycling has an incredible power to bring people together and build community. The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to or call 204-477-5180. The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to or call 204-477-5180. Manitoba Underdogs Rescue needs a newsletter co-ordinator for its social-media team. The role involves writing emails to keep supporters in the loop about new dogs, upcoming events and urgent needs. The co-ordinator will work with a graphic designer to enhance messages visually and analyze email performance to boost engagement. Essential skills include a friendly writing style, experience with platforms such as Mailchimp and a passion for storytelling. This remote position requires two to four flexible hours per week. Apply at by Aug. 1. The Henteleff Park Foundation needs volunteers. After a 90-minute orientation on park history and weed management, volunteers can work independently, choosing a spot to nurture. Volunteers can work at their own pace for an hour or two per week and at a time convenient to are welcome to apply individually or as families, only requiring the ability to lift 10 pounds and follow directions. No prior gardening knowledge is needed. Email by Aug. 15. Misericordia Health Centre needs an ophthalmology ambassador to escort patients to treatment rooms. Volunteers act as liaisons between staff members and patients (delivering messages for unit staff, making inquiries on behalf of patients, providing friendly services to patients and helping staff with patient flow). Ambassadors must have a positive and empathetic manner and the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. Apply online at by Aug. 30. The Manitoba Mountain Bike Association needs board members. The board has eight members, with subcommittees for infrastructure and community outreach. A treasurer, fundraising co-ordinator and director at large are needed to help with bike park proposals, fundraising and administrative tasks. Applicants should have a strong interest in mountain biking or trail stewardship, while skills in grant writing, management, fundraising or trail development are beneficial. It's a flexible time commitment of up to eight hours weekly, plus monthly board meetings. Apply at by Oct. 4. Mennonite Central Committee's Kildonan Thrift Shop needs people with a skill set in assessing and repairing electronic devices. Volunteers are needed to sort, test, clean and price electronic items such as record players, amplifiers, radios and DVD players that have been donated for resale. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with shifts from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Apply at or 204-668-0967, ext. 5, by June 30. The St. Vital Agricultural Fair is seeking volunteers for its 114th annual Fair and Display Aug. 8-9. Opportunities include serving as greeters, setting up and taking down tables and chairs, and serving meals in a cafeteria style. Volunteers are also needed at the children's craft table and in helping exhibitors place their entries, and to help with cleaning duties such as garbage removal. More information about the event is available at Apply at PjMcFarlane@ or to 204-487-4597, ext. 1, by July 29. The Leftovers Foundation, a food-rescue charity with a mission of reducing food waste and increasing access to food for people facing barriers, is gearing up for Home Harvest. The program facilitates the rescue of homegrown food. Community members can participate by signing up through the website or mobile app to become a donor (grower) or volunteer to complete routes. Growers with excess produce can submit a request any time, and volunteers can harvest and deliver the produce to local service agencies and keep a portion for themselves. Volunteers can sign up in groups or individually. Email alyssa@ or go to for more information. Apply by Aug. 2. The Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games will host more than 2,000 athletes at Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation. Volunteers are needed for roles such as registration, food services and cultural services. They will also help with security, medical aid and special events. Skills such as organization, communication and attention to detail are essential. Volunteers must be 13 or older. Flexible shifts are available from Aug. 17 to Aug. 23 at Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. Apply online at by Aug. 10. The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to email volunteer@ or call 1-844-818-2155. That belief was underscored three years ago when he was hit by a car one evening while cycling home with his wife. He was badly hurt — including losing his left pinky finger — but he says it changed his life for the better. It made him get serious about cycling activism and he's already seen the City of Brandon make improvements to its infrastructure — including lowering the speed limit on the stretch of road where he was hit. Hamilton is the founder of Bike Brandon, an organization that exists to support the convenient use and safe enjoyment of all kinds of bikes. Additionally, he volunteers as a board member with Brandon First, a not-for-profit destination marketing organization, and Brandon Riverbank, a 30-year-old charity dedicated to developing the Assiniboine River Corridor. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Hamilton also co-founded the Salamander Summer Music Festival, which returns for its third year next month. 'It's maybe incumbent on all of us to try to make our communities a little bit better,' says the lifelong Brandon resident. 'It doesn't take much. I didn't do it until I got hit by a car.' Hamilton leaves for Europe on Tuesday; Tour 21 starts Saturday in Lille. For details about how to make a donation, find Hamilton on Facebook, Bluesky or LinkedIn and read the pinned posts, or send an email too If you know a special volunteer, email Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
