It’s Tour de France week, but whilst the peloton is making cycling industry headlines, it’s not the only talking point on this year’s edition – introducing the Tour 21.

A few months ago, we received a message from Luke Machin, who had embarked on a mission to conquer all 21 stages of Le Tour de France in a bid to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia.

Naturally, we opted to support him and proceeded with donating a few Hutchinson tyres (for training and the Tour 21 project) as well as a CeramicSpeed ‘Free Watts’ bundle consisting of a Bottom Bracket and OSPW.

As Luke embarks on his second week of gruelling stage rides, we thought we’d publish an interview we ran with him just before his departure.

Luke Machin rides Tour 21 for Cure Leukaemia

Hey Luke, thanks for talking to us. The Tour 21 project looks amazing. Can you tell us a little more about what it entails and what it’s for?

On Friday 24th June 2022, I will be joining former footballer and cancer survivor Geoff Thomas and a team of 24 amateur cyclists to ride one of sport’s toughest challenges, the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professional race. Our aim is to raise £1,000,000 for Cure Leukaemia.  All money raised will go towards TAP (The Trials Acceleration Project); these centres are based up and down the country with Southampton being our local centre.

19 days, over 2,000 miles and 69,000ft of elevation is a lot. How are you preparing for something so big?

So I’m personally following a dedicated training programme which has been carefully laid out for me by ex and current professional riders. This will allow me to ensure that I am in peak condition when I arrive in Copenhagen.

As I’m sure you can imagine this isn’t a race for us, so I am building massively on my endurance to be able to ride back-to-back days of 120+ mile days – one after the other. Also focusing on how I get my 88KG dad bod up ‘MOUNTAINS’ Yes Mountains – these aren’t hills! So, focusing on cadence and pacing. It’s involving a lot of earlier mornings and a very tolerant and understanding family. The most important part is they understand just how important it is to raise these monies for Cure Leukaemia.

Luke Machin rides Tour 21 for Cure Leukaemia

How important is it to have the right kit on such a big mission?

Massively important and tyres and bearings are going to help with those all-important marginal gains. The Hutchinson performance tyres will be able to offer incredible low rolling resistance for flat days and hill climbs while offering that all important protection from the dreaded Pun…. we don’t say that word.

The CeramicSpeed bearings will offer that silky smooth drivetrain and I’m going to need all the assistance I can in saving watts. It’s also great for peace of mind knowing that the bearings won’t fail me, and the Hutchinson tyres will offer that all important grip on the descents!

The Tour 21 is the official charity partner of The Tour de France and is there to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia. What’s the objective and how can people donate?

The main objective is for us as a team to collective raise £1 million pounds. Every penny of the monies raised will go directly to Cure Leukaemia. The easiest way for anyone to donate is to visit my just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luke-machin6

Thank you to Windwave, Hutchinson Cycling and CeramicSpeed for their support in me playing a small part of this epic challenge.

Write A Comment