François Prévot

🏔️ Frenchies vs. The Alps – For Charity

For the third year running, I am back in the saddle with my legendary dad, Eric, as Team Frenchies takes on the mountains once more. Clearly, we haven’t learned our lesson… or maybe we just love pain that much (after all it just means bread in French).

While others ride the 3,000+ km across three weeks, we’re diving straight into the deep end: 4 days, 634km, and 14,700m of climbing – all packed into the most spectacular, leg-destroying corners of the French Alps. We're skipping the flat bits and heading straight for the peaks. Why ease in when you can start with Mont Ventoux?

🚴‍♂️ Mountains, Madness & Memories

We kick off with Stage 16 – a scenic spin through Provence (wine! lavender! Roman ruins!) before a date with the Beast of Provence – Mont Ventoux, from the classic Bedoin side no less. After 172km and nearly 3,000m of climbing, we might earn ourselves a dip in the hotel pool.

Then it’s into Stage 17, a “recovery” day of only 1,700m of climbing over 161km. Think vineyards, hilltop villages, herbs in the air – and enough lumps to remind your legs who's boss.

But the real madness starts with Stages 18 and 19 – two Alpine juggernauts. We’re talking Glandon, Madeleine, Col de la Loze, Col des Saisies, Cormet de Roselend, and finally La Plagne. These two stages pack in over 10,000m of vertical gain. Frankly, it’s unhinged. But also incredible.

💛 Why We Ride

Every pedal stroke supports the William Wates Memorial Trust, helping vulnerable young people avoid lives of crime and violence. The donations go 100% to the cause – not to our entry fees, hotels, or post-ride painkillers.

We’re lucky. We get to ride through some of the most stunning terrain in Europe with good bikes, good food, and even better company. Others aren’t so lucky. This ride is our way of giving something back – and we’d love your support.

🥐 Please Donate!

Please consider making a donation — your support turns every brutal climb and exhausted descent into something truly meaningful.

You can donate via PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer.

If those options don’t work for you, just send me a message — I’m happy to accept a transfer and donate on your behalf, in your name.

Merci beaucoup,
François