Madeline Walsh will ride every stage – covering 1,200km and nearly 19,000m of climbing – over just nine days, riding the route ahead of the pros, starting on Friday 31 July.
We spoke with her ahead of her incredible challenge to find out more.
What is your background and how did you get into cycling?
A: I grew up in Cambridge, so cycling has always been a big part of my life. I cycled everywhere – to school, to the youth club, to my Saturday jobs – everywhere.I went to the University of Sussex near Brighton and continued cycling there.
My favourite bike back then was a beach cruiser! Once I had my kids, I started taking them to school in an Urban Arrow cargo bike.
I started road cycling in 2020 when lockdown gave me a bit more time.Now I also do triathlons, up to the 70.3 (half Ironman) distance, plus mountain biking and gravel riding.
What made you want to join London Dynamo?
A: After three years in Dubai, I moved back to London last autumn and was really keen to join a cycling club that offered a good fit for me.
I was looking for a club that was modern and female-friendly, that combines a focus on performance with an inclusive approach to different types of riding – such as gravel, weekday rides, and rides further afield.
I fit into many categories as a cyclist, depending on what type of riding I want to do, or races I want to take part in, so a club that has breadth was really important to me.
Talk us through the challenge. You’re taking on every stage of TdFF avec Zwift, so how are you preparing for it?
A: I am riding it as part of a group of 20 female amateur cyclists, each raising £10,000 for Cure Leukaemia. Every penny we raise will fund clinical trial access and life-saving treatment for children fighting blood cancer.
I have been training for triathlons since 2023, but in anticipation of this challenge, I’ve been focusing on cycling for the past year.
I am riding around 12 hours per week, indoors and outdoors, plus strength training for two hours with a personal trainer. Proper strength training is new to me, but I can really feel the difference in my riding!
What are you learning about yourself as you take this on?
A: I am learning a lot about what motivates me over a long period of training. Before now, whilst my overall long-term goal was to become a better cyclist, runner, or swimmer, my goals were fairly short-term.
I would have a couple of months, or perhaps just a few weeks between races, so it was easier to stay focused on each immediate goal.
At the end of each race, I would have a new accomplishment, whether that was a better time or just a great new experience.
However, training for this challenge has been completely different.There is no fanfare when I am getting on the turbo trainer for yet another three-hour ride whilst watching GCN videos!
So constantly reminding myself of the bigger goal has been fundamental to me staying motivated.
You say this cause is deeply personal to you. Could you tell us a little more about your story?
A: My mum had leukaemia when I was born and she spent the first couple of years of my life in and out of hospital. She survived, thanks to the chemotherapy treatment that she received, despite low odds.
My mum and I are incredibly close, as she raised me and my brother as a single parent, and I know that my life would have turned out very differently had she not survived.
When I found out that I could raise money to help children fighting leukaemia, I did not hesitate to sign up for the challenge. I am so pleased that I can do this for them.
Many fantastic people have already sponsored me, so we are getting closer to the £10,000 goal. But if anyone is able to donate, even just a small amount, I would be incredibly grateful!JustGiving page here.
