The 'other' Tour de France

While the cyclists of the Tour de France will be speeding through Catalunya via Girona and Barcelona and then on to Andorra, spare a thought for another Tour de France taking place—it may receive a lot less media attention, but this 'Tour', taking place from July 1st to 13th, will see four riders journeying from Kent via Calais in northern France here to Barcelona, a total of 1,324 kilometres, in aid of charity.

One of those taking part, Tom Carlton, was motivated to get on his bike as a result of the death of friend in his home village from cancer. So to raise money for cancer research Tom, together with Laurence Harvey, Danny Shearing and Alan Burton, cycled from John O'Groats to Land End.

This time, Tom, Laurence and Dan are following in the 'wheeltracks' of seven times Tour de France champion, and cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong by crossing France by bike, and on the way passing through Gisors, Chartres, Figeac, Carcassonne and Peripgnan. They will be raising money for the Bobby Moore Cancer Fund, which was set up in the memory of Sir Bobby Moore, the English football player who captained the national team to World Cup success in 1966.

"This has taken months of planning and great teamwork" said Tom, who runs a local tennis coaching academy. "People's generosity has been overwhelming for this very worthy cause." Laurence and Danny, 18, who have just finished their sixth form studies at Norton Knatchbull and Homewood schools respectively, are also talented footballers, having played for Ashford Town FC for several years.

PROGRESS UPDATE: July 13th - they've made it! Right on schedule, the three men arrived in Barcelona today, and well on their way to raising their 2,000 pounds for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research. Click here to see images of their arrival and an interview with Tom Carlton.

July 7th, another message from Tom—"In Figeac, 570 miles completed. Just had two long, wet and hily days. Legs all seem OK. Although days in the saddle long we are enjoying trip. Just getting to grips with French language although shortly we will be needing Spanish. Another up and down day tomorrow will take us to Albi."

July 4th, a message from Tom Carlton— “Three days of cycling complete. We are at Chartes in France and have covered 235 miles so far. So far, so good. Our promotional t shirts provided by www.barcelonaflats.co.uk in English, French and Spanish start off lots of conversations. Weather Hot but OK. Next 4 days are long ones but will update you in a few days. Looking forward to Spain.”

If you would like to support Tom and the team you may make a donation at www.justgiving.com/boysonourbikes.

The four men are being sponsored in Barcelona by www.barcelonaflats.co.uk.