Tour de France Femmes an 'incredible experience'

A cycling coach who took on all nine stages of the Tour de France Femmes has said it is an "absolute honour" to have completed a challenge which mirrors the official route.

Over nine days, Michelle Sharland, from West Horsley in Surrey, cycled 1,175km (730 miles) from Lausanne in Switzerland to Nice in the south of France with 23 female amateur cyclists, five of whom she coaches.

Sharland said the group, who collectively raised £253,000 for Cure Leukaemia, climbed 18,795m (61,663ft), which is akin to climbing Mount Everest more than twice.

She told BBC Radio Surrey: "I loved every single minute of it, it was the most incredible experience... having 23 women there, all for the same goal."

The 54-year-old said most days were accompanied by temperatures significantly above 30C.

"Each day we were riding [at least] six [hours] on a short day, but nine hours we were out there in the sun."

The coach said she was especially "blown away" by the group's "guts", "resilience", and "camraderie".

Prior to setting off, Sharland had described the challenge as "an opportunity to push myself beyond my limits while supporting an incredible cause".

After toiling for nine days, Sharland was definitely feeling the effects.

"I think I'm okay, but the moment I walk upstairs I have to stop at the top and squeeze my legs together," she remarked.

Sharland has drawn many positives from the experience, but found the "power of women together" to be a particular stand out.

Though still understandably achey, the coach admitted she "actually can't wait" to get back out on her bike.

"I'm already missing it," she said.

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