Andy Bass takes on Ventoux in 2022

Andy Bass takes on Ventoux in 2022

Our Head of Sales, Andy Bass, is a keen cyclist and is about to embark on his toughest endurance test yet…

In July, Andy, along with 14 others, will be heading to the Alps to take part in The Children's Centre's Annual Cycle Challenge. Andy Bass will be participating in Geneva to Ventoux in 2022 which is an overseas cycle challenge with The Children’s Centre. Over 7 days the challenge will see Andy along with X fellow competitors cycle in excess of 500 miles and climb over 76,000 ft. Andy will leave the island on Saturday 2nd July to Sunday 10th July, starting the challenge immediate with the first leg of 26.8 miles from Geneva to Thonon les Bains and then following the Route des Grandes Alpes for a couple of days, taking in some of the iconic TdF climbs (including Alpe d'Huez) before heading to Mont Ventoux for a final ‘Triple’ climb up the Géant de Provence.

Andy's goal is to raise a minimum of £1,200 for the Isle of Man Children’s Centre, in support of all the fantastic work they do for our Island’s vulnerable young people, families and our local community. The Children’s Centre is an independent Manx charity supporting children, young people and families in their time of need, and who would otherwise fall between the gaps not being able to access services elsewhere.  Addressing factors that have a significant impact on their development such as; bullying, disengagement with learning, poverty, substance misuse, criminality, domestic violence and family issues. In 2021 the charity worked directly with over 600 individuals, and their families delivering over 5,244 hours of individual support. 

Over the course of 7 grueling days, Andy will cycle his way from Geneva all the way up to the snowy plains of Mont Ventoux, taking in some of the iconic Tour de France climbs that tests the resolve of even the most battle-hardened professional climbers.

To put the scale of Andy’s challenge into context:

• 535 miles is the equivalent of cycling from the Isle of Man to inner Belgium
• 76,000 feet of climbing is more than 2.5 times the height of Mount Everest

If you would like to support Andy and donate please see our Just Giving page