West Horsley Cyclist Tackles Tour de France Femmes for Leukaemia Charity
Local Cyclist Gears Up for Epic French Challenge
Michelle Sharland, a 54-year-old cycling coach based in West Horsley, is preparing for one of the most demanding physical challenges of her life. Starting 31 July, she and a team of 23 female amateur cyclists will tackle all nine stages of the Tour de France Femmes route—covering 1,175 kilometres across Switzerland and France in just nine days. The journey from Lausanne to Nice represents far more than a gruelling endurance test; it’s a personal mission to raise vital funds for Cure Leukaemia, an organisation dedicated to ensuring blood cancer patients worldwide receive access to life-saving treatment and care. The elevation gain throughout the challenge totals 18,795 metres—equivalent to climbing Mount Everest over twice. For Sharland, who knows our village well, this represents an opportunity to channel her passion for cycling into meaningful support for families battling leukaemia. Her training regimen has been intense, and she’s strategically using the UK’s recent heatwaves to acclimatise herself to the temperatures she’ll face during the Alpine and continental stages ahead.
Training Hard: What It Takes to Prepare Locally
Sharland describes her preparation as “relentless,” with training sessions carefully planned to build endurance and mental resilience. Local cycling communities across Surrey have watched her dedication grow over recent months. The heatwave conditions experienced throughout the UK this summer have proven unexpectedly valuable, allowing her to adapt her body to the demanding temperatures she’ll encounter in France. “When it’s a hot day you just go: ‘I’ve got to go!'” she explains, viewing challenging weather as a training tool rather than an obstacle. Her approach mirrors that of professional cyclists, who understand that environmental adaptation is crucial for performance at altitude and in sustained heat. The challenge requires not just physical stamina but mental fortitude—nine consecutive days of cycling, day after day, pushing through fatigue and doubt. Like undertaking a major home renovation project—such as the loft conversion and loft refurbishment work overseen by experienced Guilford builders—this challenge demands careful planning, professional guidance, and unwavering commitment to the end goal. Sharland’s team consists entirely of amateur cyclists, making their collective achievement all the more remarkable and relatable to everyday people in our community.
How West Horsley Can Support This Vital Cause
Cure Leukaemia’s work extends far beyond individual fundraising efforts; the organisation ensures that patients across the globe have access to cutting-edge treatments and medicines that can transform outcomes for children and families. Every mile Sharland cycles directly translates into funding that supports research, treatment access, and patient care worldwide. Residents interested in supporting her mission can contribute through fundraising platforms associated with the challenge, helping to amplify the impact of her physical efforts. Beyond donations, community members can follow her journey as it unfolds—tracking her progress through the nine stages provides inspiration and keeps local awareness of leukaemia support high. The challenge also raises important questions about what we’re capable of achieving when properly motivated, and how our local community can rally around causes larger than ourselves. West Horsley has a strong tradition of supporting charitable endeavours, and Sharland’s effort exemplifies the village spirit. Whether you’re inspired by her cycling ambition, moved by the leukaemia cause, or simply curious about what drives someone to undertake such an extraordinary physical challenge, there are ways to get involved. Watch for updates as the challenge unfolds, share her story within your networks, and consider whether you might contribute to this meaningful cause supporting vulnerable patients globally.
Source: West Horsley cyclist takes on Tour de France Femmes challenge
