Cure Parkinson’s Raid Ventoux (Club des Cinglés Challenge) 2023
The fabulous Cure Parkinson’s Raid Series returned in June with the much anticipated Raid Ventoux (Club des Cinglés Challenge).
Ascending Mont Ventoux is a feat loved by over 100,000 cyclists each year and the ‘Club des Cinglés’ showcases all of the cyclists that have achieved the challenge – it’s an impressive accomplishment of cycling up and down the mountain three times (4,443m of ascent over more than 136km) in one day, from all directions!
At Cure Parkinson’s Raid Ventoux HQ we decreed that, for our challenge, riders could climb the mountain once, or twice, or three times to challenge themselves within their own level of aspiration; all whilst raising vital funds for our ground-breaking research looking to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s. 23 Cure Parkinson’s supporters, including three people who are living with Parkinson’s, took part – and it really was an amazing ride!
Some highlights from 2023’s Raid Ventoux:
Fundraising for Parkinson’s
Long-time fundraising and corporate supporter David Adams has taken on the Cure Parkinson’s Raid cycling challenges every year since they launched in 2019 – he is pictured in 2020 at our Raid Local fundraising challenge. In 2022 David along with the other Raid teammates took on the Raid Alpine challenge to raise much needed funds and awareness for our research. Setting off from the shores of Lake Geneva, they negotiated exceptionally hilly and at times treacherous Alpine roads over six days before reaching the finish line in Nice.
Of the upcoming Raid Ventoux challenge, David said “Whenever I need to steel myself I think of Tom Isaacs (Tommy); old schoolfriend, university course mate, work colleague and Best Man, and co-founder of Cure Parkinson’s – one of the finest friends you could hope for who, whatever the challenge, would offer a disarming grin and just get on with it!”
Simon Bland was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018, but that hasn’t stopped him from going above and beyond to raise funds for us. Having completed Raid Alpine in 2022, he’s excited to take on Mont Ventoux. Simon said “This challenge is about tackling Parkinson’s head on and demonstrating to myself and others with Parkinson’s that, whilst a real pain in the butt, it does not have to stop you from trying to live as full and active life as possible.”
Supporter Pete Anthem was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s in 2015, aged 52. The charity is close to Pete’s heart not only due to his own diagnosis, but because his late mother and father also lived with the condition.
Pete said “I want to support Cure Parkinson’s and this year that means taking on Ventoux. Of course it’s an iconic mountain and it’s a big challenge but if Cure Parkinson’s decided to cycle round the M25 I’d be up for that! What I mean is, I don’t mind what the cycling challenge is as long as it helps to support the charity.”