Police chief in Tour de France challenge (From Yeovil Express)

Police chief in Tour de France challenge

7:30pm Sunday 5th July 2009

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THE Deputy Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, Rob Beckley, is saddling up for one of his stiffest challenges - completing a gruelling stamina-sapping stage of this year’s Tour de France.

But while keen cyclist Rob is sweating off the pounds on the “giant of Provence” he can ride on secure in the knowledge, that he is piling on the pounds for charity.

Rob has always wanted to take in the Etape du Tour – when amateur cyclists are offered the chance to complete an actual stage of the world’s greatest bike race – on one of the tour’s rest days.

On July 20 he will join hundreds of others competing in the 172km (108 miles) Montelimar – Mont Ventoux stage helping to raise cash for Weston Hospice at the same time. The amateurs are expected to take up to two and half hours to complete the final ascent of the day – Mont Ventoux – affectionately known as the ‘giant of Provence.’ The following day, the professionals competing in the actual race, which gets underway tomorrow (Saturday July 4) in Monaco, are expected to complete the climb in about 60 minutes!

Mont Ventoux, which nestles on the edge of the Alps, is regarded as one of the toughest and feared climbs in the Tour de France measuring 21.4kms from the climb’s start at Bedoin to the summit.

It is famed for strong winds and exposed limestone with no tree shelter, which sends temperatures soaring to around 100 degrees.

In 1967 England’s former world champion Tom Simpson collapsed and died while competing in the Tour de France as he neared the summit of the mountain.

DCC Beckley said: “It has been a desire of mine to compete in the annual Etape du Tour for a number of years and this year my application was successful.

"To take part in the Mont Ventoux stage is a rare treat, it really does have special affection with cyclists all over the world, because of its fierce-some reputation.”

While fulfilling a dream to scale one of the Tour de France’s classic climbs, Rob will also be helping Weston Hospicecare and Bike4Africa.

DCC Beckley said: Both are locally based charities to Avon and Somerset. One provides hospice care in the Weston area, an extremely important but woefully under-funded service.

"The other charity which works from Bath sends out bicycles to Africa to help children get to school in remote areas."

The African charity has a special attraction to Rob, who spent almost four years in aid and development work, primarily in Africa.

The hospice provides free palliative care to people living in North Somerset and neighbouring parts of Somerset who have non-curative illnesses.

Fundraising and communications manager at Westonhospicecare, Penny Beare, said: “We are grateful for Rob’s support for Weston Hospicecare.

"Some of the money he raises from his ride will go towards providing care for people who are at a time in their life when they need it most.

"In order to provide this level of care the charity needs to raise over £8,000 a day.

“Cycling the Etape du Tour is a huge physical challenge and we wish him the best of luck and hope he enjoys it,” said Penny.

Anyone wishing to support Rob can find out more details about the ride and the two charities he is supporting by clicking on the link in the "related articles" section on this page of our website.

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