DUBAI // A father of three is preparing to take on one of the toughest cycling routes in the world and raise Dh55,000 for a charity.
Bernard Hunt, 46, a senior project manager for Wates Construction in Abu Dhabi, decided to take part in the amateur version of the 102nd Tour de France cycling competition. His decision was made after he was challenged to do so by colleagues in Britain.
The Tour de Force affords participants the opportunity to compete on part of the same route of the world-famous race, including the gruelling Pyrenees section.
Mr Hunt will be raising funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust in Britain, a charity that helps disadvantaged people.
“I have never done anything like this before, so I thought it would be a good challenge and signed up,” said Mr Hunt, who will be taking part with eight British cyclists.
He said he had to increase his amount of training after realising the extent of the challenge.“It’s about 550 kilometres along the mountains and it’s going to be incredibly difficult,” said Mr Hunt.
“I’ll be doing three legs on that [Pyrenees] section, so it’s going to be really tough.”
The event starts on June 27, but Mr Hunt’s section of the tour, which involves stages 10 to 12, runs from July 6 to 10.
“With the weather getting hotter, I’ve had to start at about 5am and then train until 9am,” he said.
“I’m trying to do at least 300km a week on the road, as well as high-intensity spinning classes to get me in the right condition.
“I know it’s going to be difficult, but my aim is to get to a level where I can enjoy taking part in the race.”
Preparing for the mountain climb has proved to be tricky because the UAE lacks the terrain to prepare for such events.
“I’ve been doing a lot of training at Jebel Hafeet mountains and, although they are nowhere near as big, it does give me some practice,” said the project manager.
“I’ve basically just raced up and then back down as many times as I can. Another aspect is getting used to the long periods of time I’ll be in the saddle.
“It’s going to be about 10 hours each day, so there has been a lot of work done to get used to that,” he said.
Mr Hunt’s family members were initially surprised by his decision to compete in the Tour de Force, but they have been supportive of his plans, as have his colleagues.
“I’ve been especially fortunate because my employer has allowed me time off to prepare.”
Steve Yazdabadi, managing director at Wates Construction International in Abu Dhabi, said the company was proud of Mr Hunt and his teammates’ partcipation in the cycling event and raising funds for charity.
“We fully support Bernard and wish him all the best as he gears up for the most challenging stage of the race, cycling through the Pyrenees mountains,” said Mr Yazdabadi.
Mr Hunt’s team has set a target of raising about Dh233,000 for the William Wates Memorial Trust. The charity aims to help disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and fulfil their potential.
“I am so fortunate to be in a country and in a job that means my family doesn’t have to worry about things like holidays, but that isn’t the case for many people,” said Mr Hunt.
“I’ve managed to raise about Dh16,000 so far, but I’m appealing for more sponsorship and donations to help me reach my target.”
To donate visit www.bmycharity.com/teamwates.
