Local Buzz

Paris2Nice Charity Cycle Coming to the Côte d’Azur

IARLA BYRNE27 September, 20131 Mins read92

The participants in the Paris2Nice charity cycle will be descending on the French Riviera in early October after a gruelling 700km cycle.

Paris2Nice is an Irish charitable organisation that, through their annual charity cycle from Paris to Nice, raises funds for a variety of charities throughout Ireland. Last year, the event raised €500,000 for Special Olympics Ireland and Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland. The 2013 total raised so far stands at around €412,000.

The cycle itself, totaling just over 700km in 6 days, is open to all and is designed with all abilities and ages in mind – the organisers even go as far as to say that it will be a life-changing experience. This year, the group will once again be joined by none other than Stephen Roche, winner of the Tour de France in 1987.

Previous Paris2Nice participants have ranged in ages, fitness levels and cycling experience. Along with many fit people and experienced cyclists, many others were older, unfit or had no cycling background. The one thing that they all have in common this year though, is that they must all raise €3,000 to be eligible to participate.

The route for this year’s cycle (set out below), has been chosen for maximum enjoyment by all riders, with plenty of spectacular scenery guaranteed along the way.

Day 1 – Saturday, 28th September – Paris to Montargis (130km)

Day 2 – Sunday, 29th September – Montargis to Bourges (130km)

Day 3 – Monday, 30th September – Bourges to Vaison-la-Romaine (70km)

Day 4 – Tuesday, 1st October – Vaison-la-Romaine to Aix-en-Provence (130km)

Day 5 – Wednesday, 2nd October – Aix-en-Provence to Draguignan (130km)

Day 6 – Thursday, 3rd October – Draguignan to Nice (110km)

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The group hope to be arriving on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice at approximately 4pm on Thursday, 3rd October, having passed through Théoule-sur-Mer, Cannes and Antibes earlier in the day. So, be sure to keep an eye out for them wherever you are along the route, and give them a wave and a little cheer!