Press Release
04/09/2017
TOUR DE FRANCE – THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME
To raise funds and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation of
New Zealand, Jonathan Douglas in association with Hayden Roulston (Ex
professional Tour De France rider and NZ Olympic Silver Medallist) are
searching for amateur cyclists who want the challenge of a lifetime by riding
every stage of the 2018 Tour De France route, one day ahead of the actual race
itself.
Jonathan has first-hand experience of family members suffering
from mental illness. He now wants to make a difference and help others,
including those supporting loved ones to seek expert assistance and support.
A keen amateur cyclist and outdoors enthusiast himself he believes there
is still a stigma about sufferers seeking help, especially amongst middle aged
men.
The ride aims to help the Mental Health Foundation provide
information to individuals, families, friends and whānau about where to turn
for help and the ways to look after ourselves and others.
This is the first time a team of riders from New Zealand have
attempted to ride all 21 stages of the race.
The 2018 route will not actually be announced
until October 2017, but will consist of 21 stages over a little more than
period of 3 weeks or more and covers over 3000 km of riding. Each stage
varies in length with the average days riding being between 150 – 190km. Some
stages may be more than 200km long and involve riding over 2,000-metre-high
passes.
The successful riders who meet the criteria of being fit and
mentally tough enough to take on the non-competitive challenge will be expertly
coached and supported by Hayden Roulston to give them the very best chance of
success. We are aiming at providing 6 months training to the selected riders
who will need to commit to up to 20 hours training each week.
Up to 20 places are available with expressions of interest being
taken from 1 September 2017. Options are also available for riders wanting to
take part in shorter 7 or 14 day challenges.
KEY FACTS
Nearly 50% of New Zealanders will experience a mental health
problem in their lifetime.
Depression is set to overcome heart disease as the biggest global
health burden by 2020.
1 in 5 New Zealanders will experience mental illness this year.
They work to influence individuals, whanau, organisations and communities to
improve and sustain their mental health and reach their full potential.
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is a charity that works towards
reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. We provide
free support, training and resources for anyone who is going through a
difficult time, or for people who are supporting loved ones.
END
All press related enquiries are to be directed to:
Jonathan Douglas
info@rouleurbiketours.com
021 388893
