AN Okehampton cyclist was among more than 7,000 amateur riders who competed over a real stage of the Tour de France last month.

The Etape du Tour lets cyclists tackle a stage of the world?s biggest cycling race. Three days later, the professional riders, including six times champion Lance Armstrong, follow in the wheeltracks of the amateurs.

Phil Davies from Okeford Veterinary Centre, Okehampton rode the 153-mile stage for two animal charities, Cats Protection and the Cinnamon Trust, raising more than £1,000.

This year?s stage was the longest one ?from Limoges to St Flour over the extinct volcanoes of the Auvergne. In total, the riders climbed more than 13,500 feet with most of the ascent after 100 miles had been covered. The highest point, with a final 2km stretch of 17% gradient, was the Col du Pas de Peyrol at 1,589 metres.

Phil was joined in the ride by another member of Okehampton Cycle Club, Sean Quigly. Phil?s time was 9 hours 46 minutes, qualifying for a bronze medal, and Sean finished the stage in 9 hours 11 minutes, qualifying for a silver medal. The winning time was just under seven hours.

In the real Tour, Frenchman Richard Virenque, who has won the King of the Mountains polka-dot jersey seven times, won in just over six hours!

Phil said tackling the imposing Col du Pas de Peyrol was a real challenge. ?A lot of riders were getting off and pushing their bikes at that point ? they just weren?t used to the steep slopes of Dartmoor,? he said.

Phil said the final stretch of the ride was the worst. ?The last 30-kilometres, it felt like I was going backwards,? he added.

He said months of training in the run-up to the race were needed to take part. Riders are expected to keep up an average speed of 30kph in the first hour then 19kph for the rest, otherwise they get unceremoniously dumped into ?the broomwagon?. The maximum time allowed was 12 hours 30 minutes.

Phil and Sean stayed on to watch a stage of the Tour before leaving for home.

The Etape du Tour is now in its 12th year,. For more information about the event visit http://www.letapedutour.com">www.letapedutour.com

Phil expressed thanks to all his sponsors, and said people could still make donations to the charities by contacting him at the vets surgery on 01837 52148.