I first remember watching the Tour de France back in the 1980s when Channel 4 had a highlight show. It wasn’t until many years later that the first live broadcast was shown in the UK. For the last 25 years, I’ve watched live coverage almost every day.
Watching elite cyclists ride for 100-plus miles every day, while also tackling some of the most iconic climbs that France has to offer, may not seem that interesting to everyone, but the Tour de France is so much more than just that. The superhuman efforts of the cyclists are something to behold. The team tactics are fascinating. The endless helicopter shots of historic chateaus, beautiful French countryside, and mountains that stretch up forever are Oscar-worthy. And then there is the brilliant commentary from Phil Liggett, Bob Roll (who has the best laugh), and Christian Vande Velde, who every day tell the story of the tour that is equal parts awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. For me, it’s one of the most fascinating sporting events to watch, and it ranks right up there with the Masters and the British Open.
The Tour 21 started in 2021 when a team of amateur cyclists tackled the entire Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals to raise £1,000,000 for Cure Leukemia. Geoff Thomas, an ex-England and Crystal Palace footballer, founded The Tour 21 after being diagnosed with leukemia. Geoff had a successful bone marrow transplant, and as a way to give back, he started fundraising for Cure Leukemia, a charity co-founded by Dr. Charlie Craddock, the Doctor who treated Geoff and whom he credits with saving his life. Cure Leukemia is focused on providing patient access to cutting-edge treatments, supporting innovative research, and improving patient outcomes. Geoff’s autobiography, “Riding Through the Storm”, is a great read, and I can relate to his desire to push himself and give back when you have been given the gift of a second chance at life.
In 2021, I watched a video on YouTube about The Tour 21. Since then, I have followed it every year, rooting for riders I don’t even know to get to the finish line in Paris and meet their individual and collective fundraising goals. I’ve watched and rewatched these videos many times over, and it has always in the back of my mind that I would love to be part of it one day. At the same time, I was realistic about my chances, given my cycling abilities and the fact that I’m living with a rare and incurable lymphoma - Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia (WM).
Those of you who have been following the blog for a while know that I came to cycling late in life, in 2017—at the age of 55—when I was diagnosed with WM. My very first decision after that life-changing diagnosis? To sign up to cycle across America. The second? To buy a bike.
In 2018, just nine months later, I completed that ride—covering every foot and inch (“EFI”) of the 3,424-mile route in 48 days and raising $50,000 along the way for research into my rare disease at the Mayo Clinic, where I was diagnosed and where I continue to be treated. Since then, my love affair with cycling has grown, despite the interruptions from treatment for WM. I’ve never wasted time wallowing in setbacks; instead, I've chosen to dream big and live life to the fullest.
With my WM numbers solidly in the normal range, and not knowing when they may start to tick upwards, I thought that if ever I was going to apply for The Tour 21 now was the time. Those of you who know Deirdre know that she possesses a pretty significant worry gene. However, even with that worry gene, she’s always been the one to encourage me to go for things. Her exact words when I asked her what she thought about the idea of riding from LA to Boston were “Go for it!” And that’s precisely what she said when I asked her about The Tour 21.
So, in August, I sent in my application for the 2026 Tour 21 team. Unbelievably, I was accepted. Which means that on June 27th, 2026, I will join 24 other amateur cyclists from around the world as we take on all 21 stages of the Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals. The Tour 21 team has a goal of raising £1,000,000 for Cure Leukemia.
The Tour 21 is widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges on earth for non-professional cyclists. Across 21 days, I will climb the height of Mount Everest six times while cycling the distance from London to Cairo. I’ll spend between 8 and 12 hours in the saddle and burn 8000+ calories each day on average.
If you or anyone you love has ever been affected by blood cancer—or cancer of any kind—and you want to do something positive to change the outlook for anyone in the same boat, this is your chance. I will need every ounce of strength and resilience to keep going on the roads of France next summer. What is sure to keep me pedaling when exhaustion sets in is the knowledge that my efforts—and your donations and support—are funding research and treatment that will save lives.
I’ve already paid my entry fee, so 100% of your donation will go directly to Cure Leukemia. The minimum individual fundraising goal set by the charity is $40,000, but I’ve raised my personal bar to a challenging $100,000. That’s why I need your help.
How You Can Help Every donation matters—large or small—and every dollar raised will have a direct impact on the lives of blood cancer patients.
If you want to go that extra mile and donate at least $500, you can dedicate ome of the 21 stages in honor of a loved one. On that day, and with the name emblazoned on my helmet, I will ride the stage not just for Cure Leukemia but for them. Today, everyone in the world has a 1 in 5 chance of developing cancer in their lifetime, which means we all already know and love someone who’s been affected by it. Now is your chance to help. Past research saved my life. Future research will save many more. Please help me cross the finish line in Paris by donating at www.justgiving.com/page/chris-edgerton-2026
