Cyclists prepare to go from Venice to Ventoux for cancer charity

Friday 27 May 2022

From 4 to 11 June, Saxon Brewer-Marchant and Nathaniel Jones will cycle across Italy and France aiming to raise £5,000 for Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG).

The idea for Venice to Ventoux came in late 2019. It was inspired by Mr Jones’ late grandfather, who loved cycling, the Tour de France and Venice from his days as an artist.

The covid pandemic initially halted the plans, but the easing of restrictions across Europe has now allowed the pair to begin their adventure early this summer.

The route will take them northwest from Venice through Verona, Bergamo and Lake Como via the Madonna Del Ghisallo - a pilgrimage site for cyclists - before heading down towards Turin and Gap, finishing at Mont Ventoux. 

They aim to complete this route in eight days.

Pictured: The challenge will begin in Venice on 4 June.

Mr Jones said: “Venice is such an iconic destination for artists and somewhere my grandpa often visited. Mont Ventoux is a formidable mountain and one of the truly epic climbs in the Tour de France. 

“It has been the location of many memorable moments over the years, most notably the passing of Tom Simpson, whose memorial is found near the top. Once we had the start and end points, it was a matter of linking the two to form a route.”

Both men are keen to support the charity MUG, saying it contributes positively to the community through raising awareness of male cancers and health:

“As a charity, they have supported our trip from concept to planning and execution immensely,” they said.

Mr Brewer-Marchant said: “We have known each other from our secondary school days but became close friends at university in Falmouth. We push each other to perform our best when cycling and motivate each other to undertake challenges we wouldn’t normally consider. Doing this sort of event by ourselves would be mentally much tougher, so having each other’s support is key.” 

Pictured: The cyclists' route will take them over the Alps on their way to Ventoux.

Ian Brown of MUG said he was grateful for the pair’s commitment to the charity's cause.

“They are undertaking a huge challenge with their Venice to Ventoux ride this June," said Mr Brown.

"It is a remarkable effort, which I’m sure will be very rewarding.

"We hope people encourage and cheer the guys on when they undertake their longer mission on the continent in June."

You can donate to the pair’s JustGiving page by clicking HERE.