Amateur Cyclists Raise Over £240,000 for Leukaemia Charity

Nineteen amateur riders from across the globe have raised more than £240,000 ^[1] for the charity Cure Leukaemia.

The effort highlights the physical and mental challenges of elite cycling while providing critical funding for children battling leukaemia. By mirroring a professional race, the group brings global attention to the medical needs of young patients.

The initiative is documented in a three-part docuseries titled "Riding for Survival," with the first episode released this month on NBC Sports [1, 2]. The series follows the group as they navigate the rigorous terrain of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. To avoid interfering with the professional peloton, the amateurs ride each stage one day ahead of the official race [1, 2].

The journey began in Barcelona, Spain, which served as the Grand Départ for the 2026 Tour de France Femmes ^[3]. The amateur group committed to completing all nine stages ^[1] of the competition. This route includes varied elevations, and demanding distances that test the endurance of non-professional athletes.

Cure Leukaemia focuses on improving survival rates and quality of life for children. The funds raised by the 19 riders ^[1] will support the organization's mission to provide specialized care and research. The docuseries aims to bridge the gap between the glamour of professional sports and the reality of chronic illness.

By leveraging the visibility of one of the world's most prestigious cycling events, the organizers sought to maximize donations. The riders faced the same geographical hurdles as the pros, from the coastal winds of Spain to the steep climbs of the interior, to ensure the authenticity of their challenge [1, 2].