A FORMER pedigree cattle breeder from Quither, near Tavistock, is preparing to cycle around France in aid of charity. Robin Weston, 65, is now retired and living in Dordogne, France and has spent the last 18 months increasing his pedal-power to undertake the 2261 mile marathon, which also takes in stages in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain. The route is based on the 2006 Tour de France route, and Robin hopes to complete it in the same 21 days as the professionals. The mammoth challenge is hoped to raise thousands for charity, including over £2,000 for CLIC Sargent. Fellow Devonshire cattle breeders and members of the South Devon Herd Book Society have been supporting Robin, promoting the event and making donations. Robin said he decided to take on the Tour de France route as a way of celebrating his 65th birthday and honouring his parents, both of whom died of cancer. ?Supporting CLIC Sargent is important to me. I have close friends who have lost children to cancer and the ride is also dedicated to them,? he said. He is also being supported by world cycling championship 2006 winner, Chris Hoy, who said to attempt to cover the route of the Tour de France was ?a huge cycling challenge? and one that he, as a one kilometre specialist, would be terrified of. Robin is also raising funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the French cancer charity La Ligue Contre Le Cancer. Anyone wishing to know more or sponsor Robin can visit http://www.cancercharitytour.com">www.cancercharitytour.com or email [email protected]">[email protected]
