On 19 June 2010 a group of intrepid cyclists set off on the the Tour de Force. They rode the 2010 route of the Tour de France a fortnight ahead of the professionals, finishing in the Champs-Elysees, Paris.
A core of extremely fit riders completed the total 3,600 km riding the same 20 daily stages, with 2 rest days, over a 3 week period.
The majority of cyclists rode one or two stages of their choice – a true test of stamina, on average burning 7000 calories a day, with uphill stretches up to 30 km long and hill gradients up to 12% over 5 mountains – an awe-inspiring opportunity to experience the greatest sporting test in the world.
Read more on the Tour de Force blog - http://www.tourdeforce.org.uk/blog/2010/welcome/
and in the Daily Telegraph article, 'Tour de France 2010: my hell in heaven' - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/7889134/Tour-de-France-2010-my-hell-in-heaven.html