Organised by We Move As One, the La Vuelta a Barca challenge team will start its ride from St Malo before travelling down western France, across into Andorra and then finally finishing in Barcelona. They leave the island tomorrow.
‘It will be a huge physical and mental challenge for everyone involved, but one we’re all looking forward to taking on together,’ said director of We Move As One Gary Hooks.
This trip will mark the fifth such cycling challenge that Mr Hooks and co-director Leon Howard have organised from Guernsey.
‘The aim with each has been to hit one of Europe’s largest mountain ranges,’ explained Mr Hooks.
This tour will cover the Pyrenees, elevating the cyclists to 2,500 metres for part of the ride.
‘I think the altitude will be tough,’ said Mr Hooks.
‘But I think the biggest challenge will not really be the cycling, but keeping everyone moving. Getting people to the start line each morning and keeping on top of all of our safety procedures.’
Preparation for the challenge began in 2024 when Mr Hooks and Mr Howard embarked upon a trial run of the trip to check its viability for themselves.
Satisfied with the journey, the pair then began the long task of recruiting and training riders, and also organising the various accompanying medical staff and safety provisions they would need to bring along with them.
‘The team has been building up to this for almost two years. It’s been incredible to witness the progress of all the riders throughout this time,’ said Mr Howard.
Whilst the thrill of the challenge and a love for cycling has been a key motivating factor driving the tour forward, it is ultimately being completed with the aim of supporting Les Bourgs Hospice.
Just a few days before the cyclists were due to set off on their travels, the cyclists came together at the hospice to see for themselves the important work their fundraising efforts would be supporting.
‘We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of We Move As One and everyone taking part in La Vuelta a Barca,’ said hospice CEO Rob Jones.
‘Their efforts will help us continue providing vital care and support to those who need it most.’
Donations can be made via the La Vuelta a Barca Just Giving page, and their journey can be followed via the We Move As One website.
The organisation is planning to run more cycling challenges in the future. Their sights are currently set on Italy for next year, although with a slightly new set up in mind.
‘To try something new, we’re thinking of potentially doing a base camp system,’ said Mr Hooks.
‘So, instead of moving from point A to point B each day, we’d return each night to the same base camp location.’
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