We are very excited at Vie et Velo to be supporting The Cancer Support France Cycle for Life this year. This event not only benefits a great cause, but highlights some of the fabulous cycling to be had in Languedoc. We expect it will be a great event for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. We intend to help make the experience an easy and enjoyable one for all. We will be riding the final 2 stages and helping to guide the groups. We are also offering help with bike hire, bike transport or booking accommodation.

Cycle for Life 2017 is open to all and starts in the Medieval city of Carcassonne on 22 June. Over 4 days and in 4 separate stages, the 200km route takes in paths alongside the Canal du Midi, Canal de la Robine and Mediterranean coast before ending in the coastal town of Sête. With a number of sponsors including Freewheeling France, LaFranglaiseWeb, Renestance and VideoProFrance, it promises to be a great celebration of life with the added conviviality that a group of pedal-powered people can generate.

So, if you’re expecting a race, epic hill climbs, sprint finishes, or weighing your pasta every evening, this is not the ride for you. If a gentle meander through beautiful French countryside in the sunshine, sharing wonderful lunch stops and some bicycle banter is more your thing, don’t think twice about taking part – plenty of fun, food (and of course wine!) are all part of the experience of a lifetime.

Registration for the event is free. You can join for any of the 4 stages or take part in the full 200km. For further details visit www.csfcycleforlife.org.

About Cancer Support France and Cycle for Life

One in three people in the western world will suffer some kind of cancer in their lifetime. That in itself is a frightening statistic, but imagine if it was you or a loved one, and the country you live in, didn’t speak your main language. Scary indeed.

In 2002, Cancer Support France (CSF) was set-up to help people in exactly that situation, offering both emotional and practical help such as translation, and now has a vast pool of knowledge and resources at their disposal.

In June 2015, to celebrate life, sunshine and friendship, the Gascony branch of CSF organised a bike ride along the 240 km of the Canal du Midi in southern France. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful setting provided a fabulous backdrop to what for some was a big personal challenge, and to all, proved to be a very enjoyable few days. Over 60 people rode at least one day, with an heroic few riding all 5 stages from end to end. Among the riders were survivors, sufferers, supporters and sightseers, some having not cycled for decades. “Cycle for Life” has now become an important annual event to raise awareness for CSF and to acknowledge the fantastic and challenging work that they do for English speakers in France.