This Saturday the Tour de Force charity cycle challenge begins in Dusseldorf, allowing cycle fans to take on the Tour de France route one week before the professionals. This year, Freightlink continues their support of this worthy cause.

The three week Tour de France route is divided into a variety of packages called Tour Tasters, with cyclists coming and going as we keep riding from Dusseldorf to Paris (21 stages: 24th June – 16th July 2017). Cyclists who ride all three weeks are called Lifers.

There are 9 different Tour Tasters. You can choose anything from a 2 day flat(ish) option to a longer, more hilly challenge or even a full week or 10 days including taking on some iconic Tour de France mountains.

The Tour de Force event was created by the William Wates Memorial Trust, who focus on working with the UK’s most disadvantaged young people to stay away from a life of crime and violence and to realise their potential. They do this through giving grants to charities such as youth clubs, sports, music and drama to engage with young people.

Sarah Perry, Tour de Force Event Manager said

"After 4 years of battling with transport providers directly, in 2016 we opted to work with Freightlink to organise our logistics for transporting 180 bikes to and from France during the 3 weeks of the Tour de Force. Freightlink took the pain and stress out of the job by handling everything quickly and efficiently, with minimal fuss. The logistics of running the Tour de Force are akin to going to war! It’s complicated and difficult – but made so much easier by working with reliable partners like Freightlink. We haven’t hesitated to use them again for the epic 2017 Tour de Force."

"We have worked with Tour De Force for a couple of years now and we always look forward to their call. We support local and national charities on a monthly basis with dress down days and smaller sporting challenges. When we get to apply our expertise and provide a ferry and transport solution for a charity travelling abroad, it's fantastic. Long may their success as a charity continue, and we certainly will be doing all we can to support Tour de Force for many years to come."

Adam Redford, Freightlink European Sales Manager

If you are interested in taking part in 2018, register your interest online. Best of luck to everyone taking part in this year's event.